Planned Parenthood v. Casey replaced Roe’s framework with which standard to evaluate abortion restrictions?

Planned Parenthood v. Casey replaced Roe’s framework with which standard to evaluate abortion restrictions?

• A. Strict scrutiny
• B. Clear and convincing evidence
• C. Undue burden standard
• D. Rational basis review

Answer: (C)

The standard used to evaluate abortion restrictions after Casey is the undue burden standard. Casey rejected Roe’s trimester framework and held that regulations on pre-viability abortions are constitutional so long as they do not place substantial obstacles in a woman’s path to obtain an abortion. This shifts the analysis from a strict-scrutiny-like review to assessing whether a law imposes an undue burden—something that isn’t automatically illegal, but which cannot meaningfully hinder a woman’s right before viability. In practice, that means some regulations (like certain waiting periods or counseling requirements) may be allowed if they do not create a substantial obstacle, while laws that do place a significant obstacle would be struck down. The concept keeps the allowed regulatory flexibility before viability while preserving the core right to choose.

The standard used to evaluate abortion restrictions after Casey is the undue burden standard. Casey rejected Roe’s trimester framework and held that regulations on pre-viability abortions are constitutional so long as they do not place substantial obstacles in a woman’s path to obtain an abortion. This shifts the analysis from a strict-scrutiny-like review to assessing whether a law imposes an undue burden—something that isn’t automatically illegal, but which cannot meaningfully hinder a woman’s right before viability. In practice, that means some regulations (like certain waiting periods or counseling requirements) may be allowed if they do not create a substantial obstacle, while laws that do place a significant obstacle would be struck down. The concept keeps the allowed regulatory flexibility before viability while preserving the core right to choose.