What landmark case established a woman's legal right to an abortion?

The landmark case that established a woman's legal right to an abortion is Roe v. Wade. This 1973 Supreme Court decision was pivotal in defining women's reproductive rights. The court ruled that a woman's right to choose an abortion falls under the right to privacy protected by the Fourteenth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. This decision effectively legalized abortion across the United States, striking down many state laws that restricted access to the procedure.

Understanding Roe v. Wade is crucial in the context of social and legal battles surrounding reproductive rights in America. The ruling has sparked ongoing debates about women's autonomy and governmental regulation of personal health decisions, illustrating the case's significant societal impact.