Pro-Abortion Groups Continue Cautious Support for Sonia Sotomayor, Want Info
by Steven Ertelt
LifeNews.com Editor
May 27, 2009
Washington, DC (LifeNews.com) — More pro-abortion groups have weighed in on the nomination of appeals court judge Sonia Sotomayor to the Supreme Court. They are taking a cautiously supportive approach, praising her background and life story but saying they want more information on her positions on abortion and Roe v. Wade.
Nancy Keenan of NARAL, in her email to supporters, headlined it with a simple subject line, "We have a nominee."
"Judge Sotomayor has a distinguished record of professional accomplishments as a judge, prosecutor, and community leader," Keenan said.
However, she underscored the questions groups on both sides of the abortion divide have about where Sotomayor stands on abortion and Roe, adding that her group "is eager to learn more about President Obama’s nominee."
She said NARAL would "make sure the Senate gives Judge Sotomayor a fair hearing so we can learn more about her views on the right to privacy. Discussion about Roe v. Wade will—and must—be part of this nomination process."
Cecile Richards, the president of Planned Parenthood, the nation’s largest abortion business, called Sotomayor’s nomination historic but was equally measured.
However, her email to supporters lacked any of the normal language praising someone for their support for "reproductive rights" or broadsides against pro-life advocates for attacking their radical abortion views.
"We believe that this historic nomination sends a strong signal that President Obama understands the importance of ensuring that our Supreme Court justices respect precedent while protecting our civil liberties," Richards said.
However, she struck cautious tones, adding, "Over the coming days and weeks, we’re going to be hearing a lot about Judge Sotomayor, both from her supporters and her critics."
Emily’s List president Ellen Malcolm was more effusive in her praise of both Sotomayor and pro-abortion President Barack Obama.
She called on abortion advocates to "thank President Obama for nominating an outstanding woman like Sonia Sotomayor to serve on the Supreme Court."
Malcolm joined Richards in appearing to have more confidence that Sotomayor would promote abortion on the Supreme Court.
"Her compelling story and unique perspective will help ensure that women’s rights are protected and that women’s experiences are brought to bear in the highest court in the land," she said.
Surprisingly, none of the three major pro-abortion groups called on their supporters to urge the Senate to confirm Sotomayor. Instead, they focused their emails on asking senators for a fair hearing or thanking Obama for appointing a woman to the high court.
Sign Up for Free Pro-Life News From LifeNews.com
Daily Pro-Life News Report Twice-Weekly Pro-Life
News Report Receive a free daily email report from LifeNews.com with the latest pro-life news stories on abortion, euthanasia and stem cell research. Sign up here. Receive a free twice-weekly email report with the latest pro-life news headlines on abortion, euthanasia and stem cell research. Sign up here.
