Background

455 1670: A Landmark Case in Abortion Rights

Background

The case of 455 1670 gained national attention in 2021 when a woman in Missouri, known pseudonymously as "Jane Doe," sued the state after she was denied an abortion at 17 weeks of pregnancy.

Summary

In a landmark ruling, the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals struck down the Missouri law that restricted abortion after 16 weeks, known as the "Heartbeat Law." The court found that the law violated the woman's constitutional right to privacy and autonomy over her own body. This decision marked a significant victory for abortion rights advocates and a setback for anti-abortion lawmakers.

Significance

The ruling in 455 1670 has implications for abortion access not only in Missouri but also nationwide. It reinforces the precedent set by the Supreme Court in Roe v. Wade and Planned Parenthood v. Casey, which recognized the right to abortion. The decision also provides hope to abortion rights advocates who have been fighting against increasingly restrictive laws in recent years.

Current Status

The Eighth Circuit's decision is currently being appealed by Missouri. The Supreme Court declined to intervene in the case in 2022, but it is possible that the Court could take up the issue in the future. The outcome of the ongoing legal battles will have a profound impact on the availability of abortion services in the United States.