Does the Constitution protect a woman’s right to have an abortion? The pro-choice people argue that Roe v. Wade established a clear precedent for courts to follow. The right-to-life people, on the other hand, argue that Roe should be overturned because abortion is not mentioned in the Constitution. Whose interpretation is correct?
Who is vested with the power to interpret the Constitution? Historically, the right has been enjoyed by the Supreme Court, though the right is not written into the Constitution. The practice of Judicial Review grew out of the case of Marbury v. Madison, which was decided by Chief Justice John Marshall in 1803. Did Marshall overstep his judicial authority when he established the precedent of judicial review?
Who should properly be vested with the power to interpret the Constitution? The Preamble offers us an answer: “We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union ...” What a radical idea! Let the people interpret the Constitution — decide whether or not a woman has the right to an abortion. Place the question on a national ballot. Later, route the data back to Congress for its consideration. After all, isn’t it the people’s Constitution?
Stanley D. Ivie, Richfield