What is Roe v. Wade and why does it still matter?

During the final presidential debate on Wednesday, Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump exchanged sharp exchanges over abortion.

Clinton reiterated her support for Roe v. Wade, which has protected abortion rights since 1973. For many, who’ve heard the court case named dozens of times, it's not clear why it's still so important.

According to Google trends, “What is Roe. V. Wade?” was one of the most popular fact check questions during the debate.

Here’s a refresher on what Roe v. Wade is and why it’s still coming up:

What is Roe v. Wade? 

On Jan. 22, 1973, the Supreme Court ruled that the government cannot interfere with a woman’s right to have an abortion. The court sided with Jane Roe, an unmarried Texas woman, who wanted to safely and legally have an abortion in a state where it was prohibited unless the woman’s life was at risk.

According to Planned Parenthood, at the time of the decision, nearly all states restricted abortion unless the woman’s life was in danger or in cases of rape or incest.

What did the decision do? 

The Supreme Court’s decision is credited with legalizing abortion across the country.

Guns, abortion dominate early portion of Clinton-Trump debate

Why do candidates keep bringing up Roe v. Wade? 

The next president will have the task of nominating new Supreme Court justices. That means Trump could ensure a conservative majority or Clinton could ensure the court’s first liberal majority since the Vietnam era.

Some liberals fear Roe v. Wade may be on the chopping block if a conservative majority is in place. That fear could become a reality, according to Trump.

Where do the candidates stand on abortion? 

During Wednesday’s presidential debate, Trump said he was “pro-life,” and noted that if Roe v. Wade is overturned, states will have the right decide on the legality of abortion, as they did before the Supreme Court decision.

He noted that Roe v. Wade will “automatically" be overturned when he appoints justices to the high court.

Clinton said she supports Roe v. Wade and vowed to fight for a woman's right to choose.

"I will defend Roe v. Wade, I will defend a woman's right to make her own decision," Clinton said.

Can Roe v. Wade be overturned?

A liberal court could continue to crack down on laws passed by Republican state legislatures that restrict women's rights, while a conservative court could uphold those laws.

Even if conservatives prevail, however, "I don't see the court overturning Roe v Wade," says Curt Levey, legal affairs fellow at the conservative interest group FreedomWorks.

Contributing: Richard Wolf.