Planned Parenthood Thanks Senator Murkowski for Standing Up for Women and Rejecting Brett Kavanaugh

A Key Vote, Senator Murkowski Opposes Judge Kavanaugh For a Lifetime Appointment on the U.S. Supreme Court

ANCHORAGE — Today, the U.S. Senate in a vote of 51-49 voted to advance Judge Brett Kavanaugh’s nomination to a final vote. Planned Parenthood thanked Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) for her decision to vote no on cloture and her announcement that she will vote no on the final vote for Judge Kavanaugh. Thousands of Alaskans spoke out, shared their story, and stood up for the rights of women, and Sen. Murkowski showed that she stands by survivors and Alaskans.

Judge Kavanaugh’s words and actions during his recent testimony showed his temperament, partisanship, and inability to be balanced and fair, which would have broader implications on the U.S. Supreme Court if confirmed. Today’s vote followed misleading remarks by Kavanaugh at last week’s hearing on sexual assault allegations. The vote was scheduled despite an inadequate and incomplete FBI investigation that failed to interview numerous potential witnesses to the alleged instances of sexual violence.

Statement from Jessica Cler, Alaska State Director:

“Planned Parenthood is thankful to Senator Lisa Murkowski for standing with the thousands of people in our state depending on her to protect our health, rights and freedoms.

“Millions of women and countless survivors watched the Senate testimony last month. Survivors, women, and people around the country have been pleading with senators to stop Brett Kavanaugh’s nomination, and Senator Murkowski heard our call. When it comes to autonomy over our bodies and our lives, the rights of LGBTQ people, Alaska Natives, and health care access we can’t afford partisan politics. We are grateful for Senator Murkowski’s recognition of this fact and her leadership in this moment. Judge Kavanaugh is not fit to serve on the Supreme Court and the allegations of sexual assault further disqualify him from the position.”