What was the significance of the Roe v. Wade decision?

The Roe v. Wade decision, issued by the Supreme Court in 1973, is significant because it affirmed a woman's right to choose to have an abortion. This landmark ruling established that the right to privacy, protected by the Due Process Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment, extends to a woman's decision to terminate her pregnancy. The court's decision effectively invalidated many state laws that restricted access to abortion, leading to significant changes in reproductive rights in the United States.

The impact of this ruling has been profoundly felt in both legal and social contexts, shaping debates around women's rights, healthcare, and autonomy. This decision has also influenced legislation and judicial interpretations concerning reproductive rights for decades.