Because it involves the termination of a human embryo or fetus, abortion is arguably the most controversial part of the reproductive rights agenda.
Why Abortion is Legal: The Supreme Court's ruling in Roe v. Wade (1973) is often reviled, but seldom understood.
Rights of the Fetus: Although conventional wisdom suggests otherwise, fetuses do have some rights under existing U.S. policy. It's just that, until the point of viability, these rights do not override a woman's right to make decisions about her own reproductive system.
Reproductive Rights 101
By Tom Head, About.com
The Right to Terminate a Not-Yet-Viable Pregnancy
Photo: © 2007 Les Hutchins. Licensed under Creative Commons.
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- What are Reproductive Rights?
- The Right to Keep a Full Reproductive System
- The Right to Live Without Fear of Sexual Violence
- The Right to Know
- The Right to Prevent Unwanted Pregnancies
- The Right to Terminate a Not-Yet-Viable Pregnancy
- The Right to Carry a Pregnancy to Term
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Organizations That Protect Reproductive Rights
Reproductive Rights Elsewhere on About.com
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