Which case upheld the right to abortion in Planned Parenthood v. Casey and refined Roe's framework?

Which case upheld the right to abortion in Planned Parenthood v. Casey and refined Roe's framework?

• A. Roe v. Wade
• B. Webster v. Reproductive Health Services
• C. Planned Parenthood v. Casey
• D. Whole Woman's Health v. Hellerstedt

Answer: (C)

Planned Parenthood v. Casey tests how abortion rights are applied after Roe. It reaffirmed that a woman has the right to an abortion before fetal viability, keeping Roe’s protections in place. It refines Roe’s framework by replacing the trimester-based analysis with the undue burden standard: a law is unconstitutional if its practical effect places a substantial obstacle in the path of obtaining an abortion before viability. If the law does not impose such a burden, it can be allowed, while states may still regulate abortion after viability. This combination—preserving the right and shifting how restrictions are evaluated—is what makes this case the key refinement of Roe’s approach.

Planned Parenthood v. Casey tests how abortion rights are applied after Roe. It reaffirmed that a woman has the right to an abortion before fetal viability, keeping Roe’s protections in place. It refines Roe’s framework by replacing the trimester-based analysis with the undue burden standard: a law is unconstitutional if its practical effect places a substantial obstacle in the path of obtaining an abortion before viability. If the law does not impose such a burden, it can be allowed, while states may still regulate abortion after viability. This combination—preserving the right and shifting how restrictions are evaluated—is what makes this case the key refinement of Roe’s approach.