Planned Parenthood on the Senate Majority Marching Forward with Sham Supreme Court Confirmation and Ignoring COVID-19 Relief

Republican Senate Judiciary Members Voted Today to Advance Nomination of Amy Coney Barrett, Threatening Reproductive Rights
 

SACRAMENTO – Jodi Hicks, President/CEO of Planned Parenthood Affiliates of California (PPAC), issued the following statement on theSenate Judiciary Committee’s vote to advance the nomination of Judge Amy Coney Barrett to fill Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s seat on the United States Supreme Court. Senate Republican members confirmed Barrett’s Judicial nomination through a vote of 12-10, with 10 abstentions from the Committee’s Democratic members who boycotted the vote due to the damage Barrett could do to “health care, reproductive freedoms, the ability to vote, and other core rights that Americans cherish.”

This rush to fill the seat before passing any pandemic relief showcases a complete disregard for the global health crisis that has infected more than 8 million people in the U.S., taken the lives of more than 220,000, and left 7.9 percent of the workforce without a job. The march to fill the seat also ignores that the election is already underway — millions of people have already voted.

Statement from Jodi Hicks, President/CEO, Planned Parenthood Affiliates of California:

“Amy Coney Barrett’s terrifying record and judicial philosophy on reproductive rights, health care, LGBTQ+ issues, and racial discrimination are dangerously out of touch with the American people, and clearly disqualifying. But sadly, even during global health and economic crises, the American people’s wishes are being cast aside as the Senate majority barrels forward with her nomination. Constituents want their elected leaders focused on passing desperately needed COVID-19 relief, advocating for the health and rights of our families, and protecting the security of our elections and Americans’ right to vote — not on a sham, partisan confirmation.

“Barrett spent her nomination hearing dodging questions on reproductive health care access, the Affordable Care Act, marriage equality, voting rights, and racial discrimination. But her judicial record, writings, and views are clear: she poses a direct threat to reproductive health and rights, the Affordable Care Act, and more.

“This rushed, blatantly partisan process is an insult to the legacy of Justice Ginsburg, the dignity of the nation’s highest court, and our democracy. If the Senate Majority continues to jam through a confirmation process, and Barrett is confirmed, the need for fierce, progressive leadership at the state level will become even more important. Just days out from the election, Planned Parenthood Affiliates of California vehemently opposes and condemns the rushed confirmation process, and we call on California leadership to stand strong in their convictions for reproductive freedom as we brace for a potentially changing U.S. Supreme Court.”

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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.