U.S. Senate Confirms Former Planned Parenthood Litigator to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 4th Circuit
For Immediate Release: March 19, 2024
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, the U.S. Senate confirmed Nicole Berner to serve on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 4th Circuit. A former Planned Parenthood litigator, labor rights advocate, and committed public servant, Berner was nominated by President Joe Biden in 2023. During her time at Planned Parenthood Federation of America, she litigated various cases on behalf of reproductive health care providers and their patients, including to protect medication abortion access and the rights of young people to access abortion. Berner becomes the third out lesbian on any U.S. circuit court and the first to sit on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 4th Circuit.
Statement from Alexis McGill Johnson, president and CEO, Planned Parenthood Action Fund:
“Congratulations to Nicole Berner on her historic confirmation to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 4th Circuit. She joins the court as someone whose personal experience as a member of the LGBTQ+ community and professional experiences as a nonprofit litigator and labor rights advocate contribute to the diversity of our federal courts. Our nation and judiciary are stronger for it.
“Her substantial legal experience demonstrates her commitment to the Constitution, the law, and facts. Judges should protect equality under the law and the right of every person to make their own decisions about their body and future. We look forward to Nicole Berner’s service on the court.”
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Planned Parenthood Action Fund is an independent, nonpartisan, not-for-profit membership organization formed as the advocacy and political arm of Planned Parenthood Federation of America. The Action Fund engages in educational, advocacy, and limited electoral activity, including grassroots organizing, legislative advocacy, and voter education.