Pro-choice Roe v. Wade attorney dies, former student announces

Weddington was the youngest person to argue in front of the Supreme Court.
A pro-abortion protest outside the Supreme Court
By Madeleine Hubbard

Attorney Sarah Weddington, who represented "Jane Roe" in the landmark Supreme Court abortion case Roe v. Wade, passed away Sunday in Austin, Texas, at the age of 76, according to a former student. 

She died "after a series of health issues," tweeted Susan Hays, attorney and candidate for Texas agriculture commissioner. Hays described Weddington as the "best writing instructor I ever had, and a great mentor."

Weddington was the youngest person to argue in front of the Supreme Court at 26.

Partnered with Linda Coffee right out of college, Weddington challenged anti-abortion laws on behalf of "Jane Roe," who was later revealed to be Norma Jean McCorvey.

By the time the case was decided in 1973, McCorvey had already put her daughter up for adoption. She later became a fiercely pro-life Roman Catholic.

Following the court's decision, Weddington served as a Texas state representative and taught law at the University of Texas.

Her death comes as the Supreme Court is deciding the fate of a Mississippi law banning abortion after 15 weeks. The court's decision has the potential to overturn Roe v. Wade.