‘30 Years Is A Lot To Remember’: Amy Coney Barrett Defends Signing, Failing To Disclose Anti-Abortion Letters

Topline

President Trump’s Supreme Court pick Amy Coney Barrett on Tuesday defended signing and failing to initially disclose to the Senate Judiciary Committee two separate documents against Roe v. Wade which have invigorated fears among abortion supporters and criticism among Democrats.

Key Facts

Crucial Quote

The judge defended having to supplement the information provided to the committee three days before hearings began, saying: “I produced 1,800 pages of material and all six prior nominees have had to supplement … 30 years is a lot to remember” 

Key Background 

While Democrats have largely veered away from discussing Barrett’s religious beliefs, Blumenthal homed in on whether these letters represented a prejudging of Roe v. Wade, which Barrett insisted throughout Tuesday’s hearing she would not do. “I am not asking about your religious belief, but your legal position,” said the Democratic senator, who said the letter “seems to be a statement of legal position.” Barrett refused to comment on whether Roe v. Wade was correctly decided multiple times throughout the hearing, but did say it did not qualify, per her understanding of the term, as a “super-precedent,” a decision that is so settled that it cannot be overruled. 

Chief Critic 

“I think … rape survivors would be deeply fearful about that answer because it gives no reassurance that Roe was correctly decided,” said Blumenthal. 

Further Reading 

“Senate Democrats Ask For ‘Immediate Explanation’ On Amy Coney Barrett’s ‘Troubling’ Paperwork Omissions” (Forbes) 

“Amy Coney Barrett Says Roe V. Wade Is Not ‘Super-Precedent’” (Forbes) 

“Democrats Getting Frustrated As Amy Coney Barrett Stays Close-Mouthed” (Forbes)