Center for Reproductive Rights

News from Missouri Highlights Importance of Roberts' Views

Thu, 15 Sep 2005 21:52:23 GMT

Responding to the last day of questioning for Judge Roberts, Nancy Northup provides a reality check on why his views on reproductive rights matter so much.

"As the questioning of Judge Roberts ended today, here at the Center for Reproductive Rights, we needed no reminder of the critical role of the rule of law in people's lives.

"Today, the Center filed a lawsuit in federal court right after Missouri's governor signed a law that would force the only abortion clinic in southwest Missouri to immediately stop providing abortions. And, that's because the law singles out abortion providers for unnecessary and onerous regulations that are not imposed on doctors performing comparable procedures.

"In the Missouri case we filed today, as in so many other of our cases, our clients turn to the courts for an unbiased application of the rule of law. Women's lives depend on it. And, that is why the Center for Reproductive Rights has been calling for a fair and open nomination and confirmation process."

You can listen to the clip here.

Roberts Remains Vague on Privacy

Wed, 14 Sep 2005 19:09:00 GMT

Judge Roberts, on his second day of questioning, continues to offer broad answers--and few specifics--on the right to privacy. Nancy Northup explains more.

"It's been a frustrating morning for getting any clearer sense of how Judge Roberts views the basic scope of the right to privacy.

Does he have preconceived notions that Roe v. Wade was wrongly decided and should be overruled? Or will he follow the precedent in Casey and apply it thoughtfully with the facts of each case? That's what we need to know."

You can listen to the clip here.

Judge Roberts Leaves Questions Unanswered on Reproductive Rights

Tue, 13 Sep 2005 19:06:52 GMT

Reacting to the second day of the confirmation hearings for Judge Roberts, Nancy Northup provides her insight on what Roberts has said so far about Roe v. Wade and the right to privacy.

According to Nancy Northup, "The very lead off question this morning was on Roe v. Wade and the right to privacy. It shows how high the stakes are for women's reproductive freedom with this Supreme Court nomination.

"Unfortunately, we don't know any more today than we did yesterday about where Judge Roberts stands on whether or not the Constitution protects women's right to make their own private reproductive decisions. Judge Roberts has not answered questions about it and has drawn a large moat around talking about the scope of the right to privacy.

"It is imperative that Judge Roberts be forthcoming and share his views on the right to privacy. Otherwise, the senators are going to have to vote blind at this critical time for the Supreme Court."

You can listen to the clip here.

Judge Roberts' Claim to Have "No Agenda" Echoes Scalia Hearings

Mon, 12 Sep 2005 22:40:05 GMT

In her Podcast reacting to the first day of the confirmation hearings for Judge Roberts, Nancy Northup unpacks the significance of Roberts' claim that he has "no agenda."

According to Nancy Northup, "Those words sound reassuring. But, that very phrase, 'no agenda,' had an echo from the past. Justice Scalia also testified that he had 'no agenda.' In fact, it was specifically in response to questions about his views on Roe v. Wade that Justice Scalia assured us that he had 'no agenda.'

"The public and the Senate shouldn't be left trying to speculate on the import of these echoes from hearings past to understand what Judge Roberts' views are on the Constitution's protection of our basic rights and liberties. Judge Roberts just needs to tell us."

You can listen to the clip here.

What Should the Senate Judiciary Committee Ask Judge Roberts About Reproductive Rights?

Fri, 09 Sep 2005 21:05:37 GMT

As we approach the Confirmation hearings, Nancy Northup explains the right to privacy and why it is so important to know where Judge Roberts stands.

According to Nancy Northup, "It is the right of the Senate and the American people to know the ideology of a lifetime appointee before deciding on confirmation."

:: You can listen to the clip here.
:: You can read "Eight Questions Senators Must Ask John Roberts" here.