Reply #3: not sure i understand the question. legal basis? political basis? [View All]

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legally, states have broad license to regulate commerce within their borders, and in particular, medical procedures. they could outlaw liposuction and fluoride teeth cleanings if they wanted to.

politically, they got involved in abortion because there's always been a repressive component to american society and certain politicians like to play to that base.

it became a federal issue after roe v. wade. then, it wasn't just a state-by-state issue; the constitution was found to guarantee legal abortion throughout the u.s. thus it became a federal issue, although the right has had much success nibbling this right to death through incrementally repressive state laws and their old standby, violence and intimidation.