AP, Washington
Thursday January 20, 2005
The Guardian
The woman once known as "Jane Roe" has asked the supreme court to overturn its landmark decision that legalised abortion 32 years ago.
Norma McCorvey, whose protest against the abortion ban in Texas led to the 1973 ruling, now contends in a petition to the court that the case should be heard again in light of evidence that the procedure may harm women.
"Now we know so much more, and I plead with the court to listen for witnesses and re-evaluate Roe v Wade," said McCorvey, who says she regrets her role in the case.
The politically charged issue comes before the court as both sides gird for a possible bitter nomination fight over Chief Justice William Rehnquist's replacement should the ailing judge retire this term. At least three judges, including Chief Justice Rehnquist, have said Roe v Wade was wrongly decided and should be overturned.
Two lower courts in Texas last year threw out McCorvey's request to have the ruling reconsidered.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/usa/story/0,12271,1394353,00.html