Roe vs. Wade Day

Categories:: Cause
Tags:: Awareness Women
Where:: United States
Date change rule:: Every January 22
Holiday emoji:: ⚖️

Roe vs. Wade Day, observed every January 22, commemorates the 1973 Supreme Court decision that established a woman’s constitutional right to abortion. While the ruling was overturned in 2022, its anniversary remains a crucial day for advocacy and education on reproductive freedom. Engage in discussions, support relevant organizations, and learn about the current landscape of reproductive healthcare.

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Expected Roe vs. Wade Day Deals

As a day of advocacy and awareness, Roe vs. Wade Day focuses on supporting organizations dedicated to reproductive rights rather than commercial deals. Groups like Planned Parenthood, NARAL Pro-Choice America, and the ACLU often see increased donations and volunteer sign-ups. Many local and national organizations host educational events, rallies, and fundraising drives. Brands that align with reproductive freedom may offer special promotions where a portion of proceeds benefits these causes. We encourage direct support for organizations working to protect and expand reproductive healthcare access.

Platform Guide for Roe vs. Wade Day

Instagram

Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #RoeVsWadeDay. Share educational graphics, personal stories (with consent), and calls to action for reproductive rights.

X/Twitter

Mention @NatlToday and use #RoeVsWadeDay. Participate in real-time discussions, share news updates, and amplify voices advocating for reproductive freedom.

Facebook

Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #RoeVsWadeDay. Join community groups, share articles, and organize local events to raise awareness.

Roe vs. Wade Day Hero

Sarah Weddington

Sarah Weddington (1945–2021) was an American attorney and women's rights advocate who, at the age of 26, successfully argued the landmark 1973 Roe v. Wade case before the U.S. Supreme Court. Her legal work secured the constitutional right to abortion, profoundly shaping reproductive healthcare in the United States for nearly five decades. She later served in the Texas House of Representatives and as an advisor to President Jimmy Carter.

History of Roe vs. Wade Day

In 1969, a 21-year-old woman named Norma McCorvey discovered she was pregnant with her third child. Norma wanted to abort the child but faced difficulties due to Texas laws. At first, she wanted to follow the advice of some friends who told her to claim the pregnancy was as a result of rape, believing that Texas law allowed abortion in cases of rape. However, at the time, Texas laws only allowed abortions if it could save the life of the mother. She also attempted to get an illegal abortion, but the facility had been closed down by the police. The frustrations Norma faced are reminiscent of the lack of agency women had over their bodies before the Roe vs. Wade case, where women had to lie or break the law to have a choice in whether to keep an unwanted baby.

Norma went to two attorneys, Linda Coffee and Sarah Weddington, for help. In 1970, the attorneys filed a suit on behalf of Norma, under the alias ‘Jane Roe.’ After the first round of arguments, all seven justices of the court agreed that the law should be struck down, but on varying grounds.

However, Justice Harry Blackmun proposed that the case be reargued, and on October 11, 1972, the case was again argued before the Supreme Court with Dallas County District Attorney, Henry Wade, as the defendant. On January 22, 1973, the Supreme Court issued a decision holding that women in the U.S. had a right to choose whether to have abortions without excessive government restriction. The Texas abortion ban was struck down as unconstitutional and an invasion of the right to privacy. Unfortunately, the case dragged on for so long that Norma McCorvey gave birth and the child was put up for adoption.

Roe vs. Wade Day timeline

1821

Connecticut Criminalizes Abortion

Connecticut is the first state to pass a statute criminalizing abortion.

1967

Abortion is Legalized in California

Because of the California Therapeutic Abortion Act of 1967, women can travel to California to obtain legal abortions.

1969

Norman McCorvey falls pregnant

In June, McCorvey, the woman on whose behalf the Roe vs. Wade case is fought, discovers she is pregnant.

1992

Planned Parenthood vs. Casey Alters Abortion Restrictions

Pivoting off the arguments of Roe vs. Wade, the case focuses on the undue burden of the spousal consent requirement for abortion in Pennsylvania.

How Businesses Can Celebrate Roe vs. Wade Day

Local businesses can observe Roe vs. Wade Day by educating their staff and customers on reproductive rights, hosting discussions, or partnering with local advocacy groups. Consider offering a donation matching program for employees contributing to reproductive justice organizations or using your platform to share accurate information about reproductive healthcare resources. Businesses can also review their employee benefits to ensure comprehensive reproductive healthcare coverage.

Roe vs. Wade Day FAQs

When is Roe vs. Wade Day?

In 2027, Roe vs. Wade Day is observed on Friday, January 22, providing an opportunity for continued advocacy and education regarding reproductive freedom.

What was the significance of Roe v. Wade?

For nearly 50 years, Roe v. Wade served as the legal precedent protecting abortion access across the United States. Its significance lay in affirming bodily autonomy and shaping reproductive healthcare policy for generations.

How many Americans support abortion rights?

While the legal landscape has shifted, broad support for abortion access remains. Millions of Americans continue to advocate for the right to choose, with a significant portion viewing it as a fundamental healthcare right.

What is the legal status of abortion in the U.S. after Roe v. Wade was overturned?

The overturning of Roe v. Wade created a patchwork of laws across the U.S., with some states enacting near-total bans while others maintain broad access. The legal status continues to evolve through state legislation and court challenges.

How to ObserveRoe vs. Wade Day

Watch documentaries about the case
You can host a movie night with your friends featuring a documentary about the case. If you’re not one for documentaries, you can watch any films inspired by the case or that speak on women’s rights. We recommend “Reversing Roe,” “Citizen Ruth,” or “Obvious Child.”
Donate to pro-choice clinics
Many women’s clinics in the U.S. are underfunded and Roe vs. Wade Day is the perfect day to fund some of them. You can find a local pro-choice clinic and donate some money, no matter how little, to keep them running.
Volunteer at a women’s clinic
It’s not all about the money — you can also donate your time and efforts to your local women’s clinic on Roe vs. Wade Day. They need all the help they can get, and they’ll certainly appreciate your efforts. Just walk up to a clinic and ask what you can do to help.

5 Facts About Abortions

Fewer women are having them
The total number of abortions in the U.S. has been declining year after year, perhaps because of easier access to birth control options.
There are different types
From medication abortion to surgical abortions, there are different types of abortions, depending on how far along you are.
It’s safer than you know
Legal abortions are very safe procedures and less than 1% of abortions in the first trimester lead to complications.
One-quarter of pregnancies are aborted
Roughly a quarter of all pregnancies are aborted annually.
It’s still illegal in many countries
In 26, abortion is denied, no matter the circumstances, while over 50 only allow it if the pregnancy is a risk to the mother’s life or health.

Why Roe vs. Wade Day is Important

It was a landmark in U.S. history
Whatever you feel about it, Roe vs. Wade Day was a landmark in U.S. history. The case changed the interpretation of existing U.S. laws and it will forever be marked as a turning point in our history books.
We love women’s liberation
Roe vs. Wade gave women all over the U.S. the right to choose whether they had to keep an unwanted pregnancy. We love women’s liberation and girl power, so we love Roe vs. Wade Day for reminding us of the obstacles we have overcome.
It’s the only time we understand legalese
Let’s face it — the law can be difficult to understand. Sometimes, it can feel like lawyers are intentionally trying to confuse us with all their big words and obscure language. But on Roe vs. Wade Day, people finally care enough to break down legalese and tell us about law procedures in simple terms.