Harry Blackmun, who formerly served as counsel to the prestigious Mayo Clinic, wrote the Court’s decision in Roe v. Wade. Blackmun received countless letters over the years, both praising and criticizing him for his part in the Court’s historic opinion. At a news conference held upon his retirement, Blackmun reflected on the decision: “I think it was right in 1973, and I think it was right today. It’s a step that had to be taken as we go down the road toward the full emancipation of women.”