Abortion under State Constitutions

On June 24, 2022, in Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization, the United States Supreme Court overruled its earlier decisions in Roe v. Wade (1973) and Planned Parenthood v. Casey (1992) that had recognized a right to abortion under the federal constitution. The Court's decision in Dobbs returns the issue of abortion to the States. Before the Court's decision in Dobbs, state constitutional analysis was important as it related to the validity, under state constitutions, of abortion regulations that met federal constitutional standards. With the overruling of Roe and Casey, however, States may not only regulate abortion, but, insofar as the federal constitution is concerned, they may also prohibit abortion. This vastly enhanced authority of the States gives state constitutional analysis an enormous significance.

Abortion under State Constitutions provides the only comprehensive analysis as to whether States may enact and enforce prohibitions, as well as regulations, of abortion. The third edition summarizes the relevant case law in those States whose supreme courts have already recognized a state right to abortion (one-fourth of the States) and gives a detailed analysis as to whether such a right would likely be recognized in States whose courts have not yet considered the issue (three-fourths of the States). The third edition includes an updated discussion of state challenges to abortion regulations, state constitutional amendments relating to abortion and various statutory developments. This edition also includes an appendix of the constitutional provisions cited and a topical index.

[A] very thorough and engaging study, a must-have tool for all engaged in this . . . important challenging work in the legislatures and courtrooms of the several states."
— Richard Garnett, Professor of Law, Notre Dame Law School

Linton's work represents a whole new level of play [on the abortion issue]. He proves very good at raising and explaining the state-by-state legal issues. . . . [A]n important book for both sides. . . ."
— David van Biema, Time Magazine

. . . a remarkable tour de force of research and exposition. . . . Linton . . . has provided the definitive answer to the oft-asked question, what happens if Roe v. Wade (1973) and Planned Parenthood v. Casey (1992) are overruled? The breadth and depth of his effort is arresting. . . . a reference work of inestimable utility."
— David Forte, Professor of Law, Cleveland-Marshall College of Law

. . . a necessary tool for anyone seeking to predict the consequences of a United States Supreme Court decision overruling Roe v. Wade. . . . Regardless of readers' political views, Abortion under State Constitutions promises to inform, intrigue, and inspire those who care about the issue of abortion."
— Teresa S. Collett, Professor of Law, University of St. Thomas School of Law

Abortion under State Constitutions is sure to become the standard reference work for those concerned to resist (or to promote) a right to abortion founded on . . . state constitutions."
— Richard Stith, Senior Professor of Law, Valparaiso University School of Law

Paul Benjamin Linton is one of the most thoughtful, insightful, and thorough legal authorities writing about biomedical ethics and law. Among his past masterpieces are influential law review articles analyzing suicide, euthanasia, same-sex marriage, equal rights, state abortion regulation, and abortion decisions of the U.S. Supreme Court. Now, Linton examines how abortion regulations have fared and would fare under state constitutions. Abortion under State Constitutions is a convincing explanation of the growing importance of state constitutional jurisprudence in controlling the regulation of abortion. The book is an invaluable, timely resource for lawmakers, judges, legal scholars, students, and anyone else interested in the constitutional, legal policy, and social strategies concerning the regulation of elective abortion in America."
— Lynn D. Wardle, Bruce C. Hafen Professor of Law Emeritus, J. Reuben Clark Law School, Brigham Young University

Linton provides comprehensive information about abortion under the constitutional framework of every state. Not only is every relevant constitutional decision concerning abortion described, but for states where courts have not directly addressed the question, Linton examines the constitutional text and state court opinions for constitutional provisions (such as freedom of religion and rights to privacy) that are potentially relevant. Scholars interested in how state courts have grappled with the question of abortion rights . . . will find this book invaluable."
— S. Lemieux, Hunter College, CHOICE Current Reviews for Academic Libraries