Abortion Advocates Oppose John Roberts Supreme Court Nomination

National   |   Steven Ertelt   |   Jul 20, 2005   |   9:00AM   |   WASHINGTON, DC

Abortion Advocates Oppose John Roberts Supreme Court Nomination Email this article
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by Steven Ertelt
LifeNews.com Editor
July 20, 2005

Washington, DC (LifeNews.com) — Saying the fate of abortion is on the line, abortion advocacy groups are prepared to put up a nationwide fight to rally grassroots supporters in opposition to President Bush’s nomination of appeals court Judge John Roberts to sit on the Supreme Court.

One of the top pro-abortion organizations, NARAL, used harsh language in its description of the president’s choice for the high court.

"In a devastating move, George W. Bush has nominated John Roberts to replace Justice O’Connor’s swing vote on the U.S. Supreme Court. By nominating John Roberts, George Bush has issued a slap in the face to every American," who backs abortion, the group said in an email to its members.

Other groups joined in on the barrage of criticism.

People for the American Way distributed a 10-page report calling his record "disturbing" and Vicki Saporta, president and CEO of the National Abortion Federation, criticized him as well.

"NAF is very concerned that if confirmed, Roberts would vote to weaken or even overturn Roe. We implore the Senate to closely examine his judicial philosophies on privacy and women’s reproductive freedom," she explained.

Her group called on the Senate to "stand up to President Bush’s attempt to destroy the fragile balance on the Supreme Court, and respect Americans’ desire for a Supreme Court nominee who will uphold Roe."

Meanwhile, Planned Parenthood expressed "concern" about Roberts’ nomination.

"The nomination of John G. Roberts raises serious questions and grave concerns for women’s health and safety. It is particularly troubling that Roberts went on the record calling for Roe v. Wade to be overturned when he served as a lawyer for the government," said Karen Pearl, interim president of the abortion business. "Only a nominee committed to protecting women’s health and safety should be confirmed by the Senate."

Seeking money to help it fight Roberts’ nomination, NARAL said those who support abortion "cannot afford to have John Roberts on the Supreme Court."

"The worst news, John Roberts has actually argued before the Supreme Court that Roe v. Wade should be overruled," NARAL president Nancy Keenan said in the missive.

Pro-abortion groups are taking their battles to the streets with the hope of getting enough support to stop the nomination.

Planned Parenthood Los Angeles activists will demonstrate at a local rally today to mark their opposition to Roberts.

"The next justice to the Supreme Court, who will replace Sandra Day O’Connor, will likely be a pivotal vote on myriad issues of great importance to Americans, including the future of Roe v. Wade," the group said in a statement.