Planned Parenthood Action Fund Celebrates Senate Confirmation of Julie Rikelman to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the First Circuit

Washington, D.C. — Today, the United States Senate confirmed Julie Rikelman to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the First Circuit. Rikelman has extensive litigation experience including with  major reproductive rights cases, having argued in June Medical Services v. Russo and Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization at the U.S. Supreme Court. Alexis McGill Johnson, president of Planned Parenthood Action Fund, celebrated her confirmation: 

“I am thrilled to see a qualified and brilliant legal mind like Julie Rikelman join the U.S. Court of Appeals for the First Circuit. As a skilled litigator and long-time advocate for abortion rights, Julie has worked tirelessly to fight against the onslaught of attacks on our reproductive freedom — including arguing at the Supreme Court. The federal courts play an essential role in advancing equality and protecting and rebuilding our fundamental rights. I’m excited for Judge Rikelman to continue her demonstrated commitment to equality under the law and build her legacy as a federal judge.” 

In addition to arguing on behalf of abortion providers in June Medical Services and Dobbs at the Supreme Court, she was involved in numerous other cases, leading efforts to preserve access to abortion, including medication abortion. Her cases also included challenging and successfully overturning an invasive ultrasound law, defending the rights of young people to access abortion in Florida and Alaska, and more. 

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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.