This case involved a physician, Dr. Vuitch, who was charged with performing abortions in Washington D.C. in violation of local law. The district court dismissed the charges, finding that the abortion laws were unclear. On appeal, the Supreme Court affirmed the dismissal, determining that the statute did not clearly define when an abortion would be legal to preserve a woman's health. The Court remanded the case back to the lower court, as there was insufficient evidence that Dr. Vuitch performed the abortions for any reason other than preserving the mother's health or life. The significance of the case relates to how statutes governing abortion and a woman's right to control her own body can impact related issues of privacy, medical ethics