Graduation Year

2026

Document Type

Campus Only Senior Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelor of Arts

Department

Politics and International Relations

Reader 1

Tom Kim

Reader 2

John Pitney

Terms of Use & License Information

Terms of Use for work posted in Scholarship@Claremont.

Abstract

Science has long been an integral part of society and the court system, even as those in the legal system may struggle to understand scientific processes. Court cases about abortion usually involve the intersection of law, science, and medicine. In this chronological and thematic review of Supreme Court cases involved in reproductive rights, I argue that the Supreme Court is most likely to use scientific justification when there is a pro-choice outcome or expansion of reproductive rights since medical literature usually supports pro-choice arguments. The Court is more likely to use historical analysis, references to morality, or deference to legislative fact-finding when there is a pro-life outcome or restrictions to reproductive rights. Though scientific language can be used in pro-life opinions, this is usually an appeal to the authority of science or medicine—not actually an engagement with current scientific facts or medical judgment. Thus, the correlation between science and pro-choice outcomes offers a glimpse towards future pursuits—pro-choice groups should advocate increased science and medicine engagement in the courtroom and education for judges.

Download

This thesis is restricted to the Claremont Colleges current faculty, students, and staff.

Share

COinS