Final answer:
The legal landscape regarding abortion laws in the United States has undergone significant changes over time. Prior to 1973, states had extensive rights to make abortion laws. However, in the landmark Supreme Court decision, Roe v. Wade (1973), the Court recognized the right to an abortion prior to the viability of the fetus as protected by the Constitution, establishing a trimester system to guide abortion decisions. Since then, there have been changes in abortion laws in various states, with some implementing restrictions and regulations that functionally limit access to safe and legal abortions.
Step-by-step explanation:
The legal landscape regarding abortion laws in the United States has undergone significant changes over time. Prior to 1973, states had extensive rights to make abortion laws. However, in the landmark Supreme Court decision, Roe v. Wade (1973), the Court recognized the right to an abortion prior to the viability of the fetus as protected by the Constitution, establishing a trimester system to guide abortion decisions. Since then, there have been changes in abortion laws in various states, with some implementing restrictions and regulations that functionally limit access to safe and legal abortions.