FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE September 15, 2005
DAY FOUR: ROBERTS REFUSES TO ANSWER QUESTIONS ON FUNDAMENTAL FREEDOMS Chief Justice nominee’s answers on key issues bring back memories of Clarence Thomas
(Washington, DC) – After four days of direct, clear, and fair questions from Judiciary Committee members, John Roberts refuses to state whether he believes the right to privacy includes a woman’s right to choose as recognized in Roe v. Wade.
Nancy Keenan, president of NARAL Pro-Choice America, said Roberts either evaded questions on women’s reproductive freedom or provided responses similar to those from anti-choice Justice Clarence Thomas during his hearings in 1991.
“John Roberts ends his participation in these Senate hearings without telling the American people where he stands on issues that affect their everyday lives. Roberts repeatedly refused to answer fundamental questions on important liberties and freedoms, including whether the right to privacy extends to a woman’s right to choose. Americans do not want a Chief Justice who says privacy for some but not for all.
“While Roberts wanted to give the impression he respected the right to privacy and the precedent of Roe v. Wade, his answers look dangerously similar to the responses Clarence Thomas gave senators during his confirmation hearings
14 years ago. Thomas also gave grandiose remarks about respecting precedent and the right to privacy during his confirmation hearings. One year later, Justice Thomas voted to overturn Roe v. Wade. In fact, the far right points to these similarities to assure their supporters that Roberts will follow Thomas’ lead in either eviscerating the core principles of Roe or overturning the landmark decision altogether.”
