Planned Parenthood on the First Day of Hearings to Push Through Amy Coney Barret’s Nomination to the Supreme Court, Opening Statements
CALIFORNIA – Jodi Hicks, President/CEO of Planned Parenthood Affiliates of California, issued the following statement on the first day of confirmation hearings for Amy Coney Barrett, in which Judiciary Committee members provided opening comments.
“Voting is well underway, the COVID-19 pandemic continues to devastate our country, and yet, the Senate majority is still barreling forward with their rushed, illegitimate confirmation process of Judge Amy Coney Barrett. Even in the face of 74% of Americans who want the Senate to prioritize COVID-19 relief.
“Planned Parenthood Affiliates of California appreciates the leadership of Democratic Judiciary Committee members, including California U.S. Senators Dianne Feinstein and Kamala Harris, for reminding the American public that health care is under dire threat should Barrett be confirmed. Oral arguments around the Affordable Care Act will be heard a week after the election and there are 17 cases regarding abortion access that are one step away from the U.S. Supreme Court.
“Amy Coney Barrett’s opening statements include a nod to Justice Ruth Bader Ginsberg, but her dangerous record and complete disregard of bodily autonomy and human rights fly in the face of the values Justice Ginsburg dedicated her life to protecting. So, let’s be clear—Amy Coney Barrett poses a direct and immediate threat to our reproductive health and rights and access to quality, affordable health coverage.
“We call on the Senate to stop the nomination proceedings—there should be no vote until the 2021 inauguration day.”
Read—Interested Parties Memo: Amy Coney Barrett can't run from her record at next week's hearing. We know where she stands.
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Planned Parenthood Affiliates of California (PPAC) is the state public policy office representing California’s seven separately incorporated Planned Parenthood affiliates. Through advocacy and electoral action, PPAC promotes sound public policy in areas of sexual and reproductive health care and sex education.