Roe V. Wade Lawyer Dies In Austin Home

AUSTIN, TX — The lawyer and former member of the Texas House of Representatives best known from representing "Jane Roe," real name Norma McCorvey, in Roe v. Wade has died, according to a tweet from Quorum Report editor Scott Braddock.

Sarah Weddington died in her Austin home Sunday morning at age 76.

Weddington, who was born in Abilene and earned her law degree at the University of Texas at Austin, argued the winning side of Roe v. Wade in front of the U.S. Supreme Court at 26 years old. Shortly after, she became the first woman from Travis County to be elected to the Texas House of Representatives in 1972.

She served three terms in the Texas House before a nearly two-year stint as the White House Director of Political Affairs in the Carter Administration. She later became a professor at the University of Texas at Austin.

Weddington was a speaker and advocate for women's issues and founded the Weddington Center, which helps prepare women for leadership positions.

"I am so fortunate to have known her (and Ann [Richards], Liz [Carpenter] and Molly [Ivins])," tweeted Susan Hays, who is a candidate for Texas Agriculture Commissioner. "That Great Austin Matriarchy never failed to lead by example, serve by example, and always help a sister out. May we all try to follow their example."

U.S. District 35 Representative LLoyd Doggett said Sunday Weddington was a friend and fellow legislator who worked "effectively for Austin."

"I knew Sarah as a friend and fellow legislator who worked effectively for Austin. Later, she coordinated our State of Texas office in Washington, served as a Presidential advisor, as an educator, and as a speaker around the world. Her passion for reproductive freedom was matched by her compassion for our neighbors. She shows the tremendous impact that one determined woman can make."

Doggett said with the 76-year-old gone, it is more important than ever to ensure that the "fundamental constitutional freedom for which she secured recognition from our highest court is not also gone.”