Roe Vs. Wade

How did Roe vs. Wade come to be?

A pregnant single woman (Roe) brought a class action suit challenging the constitutionality of the Texas criminal abortion laws, which proscribe procuring or attempting an abortion except on medical advice for the purpose of saving the mother’s life.

The case was first argued in December, 1971 then reargued in October, 1972. The Supreme Court decision was made January 22, 1973, and has since allowed more than 40,000,000 legalized abortions in our country, overriding many of the states criminal abortion statutes as unconstitutional.

Who is Roe?

Jane Roe, who was the plaintiff in the landmark decision Roe vs. Wade, is really a woman named Norma McCorvey. She was a poor, pregnant and desperate young woman who fell into the hands of two very ambitious lawyers, who were looking for a plaintiff with whom they could challenge the Texas state law prohibiting abortion. After signing on to become the Roe of their case, Norma McCorvey was kept out of the spotlight. She was never allowed to go to court during the arguments, and remained anonymous until 1980, when she finally introduced herself as the Jane Roe of the controversial landmark decision.

After working in the abortion industry herself, Norma saw how abortion degraded women who were blatantly exploited as abortion advocates put political rhetoric above safe medicine. She eventually began to question the movement for which she once said she “lived and breathed.” Norma never did have an abortion, and has since become a very strong pro-life advocate. Norma’s faith journey eventually brought her to the Roman Catholic Church, she being baptized into the Church by Fr. Frank Pavone in 1998. Fr. Pavone is the International Director of Priests for Life.

Today, Norma runs a ministry called Crossing Over Ministry (formerly Roe No More), which although a non-denominational ministry, is closely associated with Priests For Life.. She travels throughout the United States and various countries bringing a message primarily on the love and forgiveness she has found in her life through her faith.

Who is Wade?

Henry Wade was the District Attorney of Dallas County, Texas, who argued the case on behalf of the state of Texas.

What is happening today with Roe vs. Wade?

Since March 2000, Norma McCorvey has filed briefs in a case to overturn the Supreme Court decision of Roe vs. Wade. So far the U.S. Supreme Court has refused to revisit the case.

Peggy Truss - St. Joseph's Respect-Life Committee