Legal Definitions - Personal Autonomy

Definition: Personal autonomy refers to an individual's right to make decisions about their own life and body without interference from the government or others.

The Supreme Court has not used the phrase "personal autonomy" very often, and it is not considered a fundamental right. However, it has been discussed in cases related to reproductive rights.

For example, in the case of Planned Parenthood v. Casey, the Court emphasized the importance of personal autonomy in relation to reproductive rights. They stated that a state's interest in protecting life does not justify overriding an individual's liberty claims.

On the other hand, in the case of Washington v. Glucksberg, the Court did not support the idea that personal autonomy creates personal protections for individuals. They argued that not all important personal decisions are protected by personal autonomy.

Overall, the significance of personal autonomy as a legal concept is still uncertain.

Example: A woman has the right to make decisions about her own body, such as whether or not to have an abortion. This is an example of personal autonomy.

This example illustrates how personal autonomy relates to reproductive rights. It shows that an individual has the right to make decisions about their own body without interference from the government or others.