Roe v Wade is a landmark decision by the US Supreme Court that legalized abortion nationwide. The decision was made in 1973 and has since been a controversial topic in American politics. Many people wonder who voted for Roe v Wade and what their reasoning was. In this article, we will explore the justices who voted for Roe v Wade and what their opinions were.
The Supreme Court Justices
At the time of the Roe v Wade decision, there were nine Supreme Court justices. The nine justices were:
- Warren E. Burger
- William O. Douglas
- William J. Brennan Jr.
- Potter Stewart
- Thurgood Marshall
- Harry A. Blackmun
- Lewis F. Powell Jr.
- William H. Rehnquist
- Byron R. White
The Majority Opinion
The majority opinion of the Roe v Wade decision was written by Justice Harry A. Blackmun. Six of the nine justices voted in favor of the decision, making it a majority opinion. The six justices who voted in favor of the decision were:
- Harry A. Blackmun
- William J. Brennan Jr.
- Potter Stewart
- Thurgood Marshall
- Lewis F. Powell Jr.
- William O. Douglas
Justice Blackmun wrote in the majority opinion that a woman has a right to choose to have an abortion without interference from the state up until the point of viability, which is typically around 24 weeks of pregnancy. After the point of viability, the state can regulate or prohibit abortion except when it is necessary to protect the life or health of the mother.
The Dissenting Opinion
Three of the nine justices dissented from the majority opinion. The three justices who dissented were:
- Warren E. Burger
- William H. Rehnquist
- Byron R. White
Justice Burger wrote a dissenting opinion, stating that the majority opinion was an "exercise of raw judicial power." Justice Rehnquist also wrote a dissenting opinion, arguing that the Court had overstepped its bounds and that the decision should have been left to the states. Justice White's dissenting opinion was based on his belief that the Court should have stayed out of the issue altogether.
The Impact of Roe v Wade
The Roe v Wade decision has had a significant impact on American society and politics. It has been a contentious issue for decades, with both sides of the abortion debate firmly entrenched in their positions. Some people believe that the decision was a victory for women's rights and reproductive freedom, while others believe that it was a violation of the rights of the unborn.
The decision has also been a major factor in political campaigns and elections. Candidates for office are often asked about their stance on abortion and the Roe v Wade decision, and it has become a litmus test for many voters. The decision has also led to the passage of various state laws regulating and restricting abortion, as well as efforts to overturn the decision through the nomination of conservative Supreme Court justices.
Conclusion
The six justices who voted for the Roe v Wade decision in 1973 were Harry A. Blackmun, William J. Brennan Jr., Potter Stewart, Thurgood Marshall, Lewis F. Powell Jr., and William O. Douglas. Three justices dissented from the decision, including Warren E. Burger, William H. Rehnquist, and Byron R. White. The decision has had a significant impact on American society and politics, and it continues to be a controversial and divisive issue.