It's one of the biggest fault lines in American society.

Abortion rights divide communities, genders, and political parties.

Ronald Reagan recognized that the abortion issue might be a way of helping to destroy a democratic coalition

that had been in the place since the New Deal,

and in particular he wanted to win over Catholics and evangelical Protestants.

Ever since 1973, and a case that made legal history,

Roe vs Wade, women in America have had the right to choose.

But in the last few decades, that right has been under constant attack.

In some states, it's already very difficult to get an abortion.

For example, in Mississippi there's only one abortion clinic,

and abortion isn't legal very deep into pregnancy.

And then in other states abortion is legal, accessible, and publicly funded.

Now, could a new law in Texas change abortion rights across America?

Is the end in sight for Roe vs Wade?

You're listening to Stories of Our Times from the Times and the Sunday Times.

I'm Manvina Rana. Today, the history of abortion in America.

There are a few things as emotive in a deeply divided America as abortion.

A woman's right to choose was enshrined in a historic ruling Roe vs Wade nearly 50 years ago.

Our creators endowed us with the right to life,

and yet millions of children lose their right to life every year.

In May, the governor of Texas Greg Abbott signed a controversial new law.

That ensures that the life of every unborn child who has a heartbeat

...