Supreme Court Nominees' Views on Roe v. Wade Reveal Shift in Stance on Abortion Rights

Strategic Insights -

Supreme Court nominee Amy Coney Barrett's response during her 2020 Senate hearings on Roe v. Wade has been revealed to be inconsistent with her eventual vote to overturn the landmark abortion rights ruling. The shift in stance on abortion rights by Republican-nominated justices, now a 6-3 majority, raises concerns about the future of reproductive rights in the United States.

Key Takeaways:

  • Amy Coney Barrett, during her 2020 Senate hearings, stated that she would follow the precedent of Roe v. Wade, but later voted to overturn the ruling.
  • Brett Kavanaugh, in his 2018 Senate hearings, described Roe v. Wade as a "precedent of the Supreme Court" and stated that it has been reaffirmed many times.
  • Neil Gorsuch, in his 2017 Senate hearings, said that Roe v. Wade is a "precedent of the U.S. Supreme Court" and that he would consider it as precedent worthy of treatment like any other.
  • John Roberts, in his 2005 Senate hearings, stated that Roe v. Wade is "settled as a precedent of the court, entitled to respect under principles of stare decisis."
  • Samuel Alito, in his 2006 Senate hearings, stated that his 1985 statement that the Constitution does not provide for the right to an abortion was correct, but later declined to commit to a position on the issue, citing stare decisis.
  • Clarence Thomas, in his 1991 Senate hearings, declined to give his opinion on the issue, citing his need to remain impartial in the event of a future case.

Statistics:

  • 6-3: The current composition of the Supreme Court, with Republican-nominated justices now holding a majority.
  • 1973: The year Roe v. Wade was decision, which has stood for nearly 50 years.
  • 2022: The year the draft opinion obtained by Politico suggests that a majority of the court is prepared to strike down the landmark decision.
  • 2005: The year John Roberts testified that Roe v. Wade is "settled as a precedent of the court, entitled to respect under principles of stare decisis."
  • 2017: The year Neil Gorsuch testified that Roe v. Wade is a "precedent of the U.S. Supreme Court."

Sources:

  • Politico's report on the draft opinion obtained by the AP news wire.
  • Amy Coney Barrett's testimony during her 2020 Senate hearings.
  • Brett Kavanaugh's testimony during his 2018 Senate hearings.
  • Neil Gorsuch's testimony during his 2017 Senate hearings.
  • John Roberts' testimony during his 2005 Senate hearings.
  • Samuel Alito's testimony during his 2006 Senate hearings.
  • Clarence Thomas' testimony during his 1991 Senate hearings.