Feinstein Will Ask Supreme Court Nominee John Roberts About Abortion

National   |   Steven Ertelt   |   Aug 24, 2005   |   9:00AM   |   WASHINGTON, DC

Feinstein Will Ask Supreme Court Nominee John Roberts About Abortion Email this article
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by Steven Ertelt
LifeNews.com Editor
August 24, 2005

Washington, DC (LifeNews.com) — Pro-abortion Democratic Sen. Diane Feinstein of California is a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee that will hold hearings on the Supreme Court nomination of John Roberts. She says she will ask him about his views on abortion and the 1973 high court decision that opened the floodgates for more than 43 million of them since.

"I don’t think in the last couple of decades there has been a Supreme Court appointment that could more tip the balance of the court," Feinstein said in a speech to Silicon Valley business executives. "That’s how mega this vote is."

Calling Roberts’ nomination "a big big deal," Feinstein indicated she would ask about his abortion views.

As the only woman on the committee, she told the business leaders she has a "special role and a special obligation" in asking Roberts about abortion.

"I happen to feel that it would be very difficult for me to vote yes on a nominee I thought would overturn Roe vs. Wade," she said.

Connie Mackey, vice president of government affairs at the Family Research Council said Feinstein doesn’t represent most American women.

"For too long, far-leftist organizations consumed with only one agenda, the pro-abortion agenda, have claimed they represent all women in general … they do not."

Mackey said Roberts should be held ot the same standard as pro-abrotion Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg.

"Ginsburg, who as you know when asked about her views on abortion, declined comment concerning her ‘personal opinions’ and refused to answer questions that dealt with cases that could come before the court," Mackey explained.

"Senator Feinstein, woman to woman, I ask you to employ the same courtesy for Judge Roberts’ hearing and confirmation. Real women in America want a fair, timely, up-or-down vote," she said.

After a private meeting with Roberts earlier this month, Feinstein spoke very highly of him.

"I don’t think there’s anybody on the court quite like he will be," she said at the time, describing him as "very impressive" and exuding "humility and modesty."

Despite her interest in querying Roberts about abortion, Feinstein did not appear at a press conference with other pro-abortion Senate Democratic women who threatened to vote against Roberts or filibuster his nomination if he opposes abortion.