Comments: The Viability of the Trimester Approach

Abstract

The Supreme Court established in Roe v. Wade a trimester test for determining the constitutionality of abortion regulations. In developing this test the Court relied upon contemporary medical knowledge. Because of recent advances in the medical field, it was unclear whether the trimester approach was in concert with these advances. This comment examines the development of the Roe test, discusses the present controversy concerning these medical advances, and analyzes three recent Supreme Court decisions dealing with the issue