Statement on retirement of Justice Anthony Kennedy

Press Release | June 27, 2018

Columbus — NARAL Pro-Choice Ohio Executive Director Kellie Copeland said: “Americans have had their rights stripped away by the US Supreme Court, thanks in part to a stolen seat that should have been filled by President Barack Obama. Women, union members, and immigrants all were harmed by decisions handed down just this week. We need a court that protects and respects rights, not one that pushes the political agenda of Donald Trump, Mike Pence and their ultra conservative cronies.”

She continued: “For years, Justice Kennedy held together a delicate majority that protected the constitutional right to access legal abortion — and the fundamental ability to control their own lives, finances, and futures. Now, with this new Supreme Court vacancy, Roe and the constitutional right to access abortion hangs in the balance. The lawsuits necessary to overturn Roe are already moving through the lower courts, and extreme anti-choice activists boast that they only need one new Trump justice to end legal abortion in America. Pro-choice Ohioans will stand and fight against any nominee that would be a threat to Roe v. Wade. We thank Sen. Sherrod Brown for always standing with women and supporting reproductive rights. Sen. Rob Portman must stand up to Donald Trump and demand a reasonable, rational nominee — not a political extremist like Neil Gorsuch.”

Each year, over 20,000 Ohioans choose safe and legal abortion procedures, performed by professional and qualified providers. For 45 years, Roe v. Wade has provided clear guidance for our nation to respect the right to choose abortion care and the right to privacy for those who do.
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