Which case reaffirmed Roe but allowed states to impose restrictions so long as they do not constitute an undue burden?

• A. Obergefell v. Hodges (2015)
• B. Planned Parenthood v. Casey (1992)
• C. Roe v. Wade (1973)
• D. Lawrence v. Texas (2003)

Answer: (B)

Planned Parenthood v. Casey is the case that fits this description. It kept Roe v. Wade’s basic conclusion that abortion decisions fall within a woman’s liberty, but it replaced Roe’s strict trimester framework with a new standard—the undue burden test. Under this standard, states may regulate abortions before viability as long as the regulation does not place a substantial obstacle in a woman’s path to obtaining one. That flexibility allows measures like informed consent or waiting periods or parental involvement for minors, so long as they do not create an undue burden. After viability, states may regulate or prohibit abortions, subject to protecting the life or health of the mother.

Obergefell v. Hodges deals with same-sex marriage, Lawrence v. Texas with private sexual conduct, and Roe v. Wade was the original decision establishing abortion rights without the undue burden framework. Casey is the one that both reaffirmed Roe and introduced the und ue burden standard.