Norma McCorvey

Date of Birth: September 22, 1947

Zodiac Sign: Virgo

Date of Death: February 18, 2017

Biography

Norma Leah Nelson McCorvey, known by the legal pseudonym “Jane Roe,” was an American woman who became the central figure in the landmark 1973 U.S. Supreme Court decision Roe v. Wade, which established a woman’s legal right to an abortion. Born on September 22, 1947, in Simmesport, Louisiana, McCorvey had a tumultuous early life marked by poverty and instability. She was placed in a reform school at a young age and later became pregnant three times, giving up all her children for adoption. McCorvey’s involvement in Roe v. Wade began in 1970 when she sought an abortion in Texas, where it was illegal except to save the mother’s life. Represented by attorneys Sarah Weddington and Linda Coffee, her case eventually reached the Supreme Court, leading to the historic 7-2 decision. Despite her involvement in the case, McCorvey’s views on abortion changed over time. She converted to Christianity in 1995 and became a vocal anti-abortion activist. Later in life, she converted to Roman Catholicism and continued to work with various pro-life organizations. Norma McCorvey passed away on February 18, 2017, in Katy, Texas, after battling heart failure.

5 Interesting Facts about Norma McCorvey

1. Norma McCorvey never had an abortion; she gave birth and put the child up for adoption.

2. She grew up in a turbulent household and spent time in a reform school.

3. McCorvey struggled with her sexual orientation and had relationships with both men and women.

4. She worked various low-paying jobs before becoming involved in Roe v. Wade.

5. McCorvey’s later life was marked by significant religious and ideological transformations, including her conversion to Christianity and Roman Catholicism.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Norma McCorvey

1. “I think it’s safe to say that the entire abortion industry is based on a lie.”

2. “I am dedicated to spending the rest of my life undoing the law that bears my name.”

3. “I wasn’t given the benefits of the decision [Roe v. Wade]. I didn’t benefit from it.”

4. “I am a simple woman with a ninth-grade education who wants to do what is right for America.”

5. “They [pro-choice advocates] are all liars. I was the big fish. I took their money and they took me out in front of the cameras and told me what to say.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Norma McCorvey’s highest net worth is not well-documented and is considered to be modest, as her involvement in Roe v. Wade did not result in significant financial gain.

Children

Norma McCorvey had three children, all of whom were placed for adoption. The identity of her children has remained largely private to respect their anonymity.