By striking down laws that forced women to resort to unsafe abortions, Roe saved women's lives. According to an estimate from before this landmark case, "more than five thousand women may have died [per year] as a direct result [of criminal abortions]." For over 35 years, its protections have ensured freedom for American women, though our rights have been eroded and are in serious jeopardy. This fact sheet outlines the details and history of Roe v. Wade, and threats to its future.