NARAL Pro-Choice America: Harriet Miers Must Demonstrate Support for Fundamental American Freedoms; Nominee Would Replace Justice Sandra Day O’Connor, the Pivotal Swing Vote Protecting Women’s Reproductive Rights

WASHINGTON, Oct. 3 -- NARAL Pro-Choice America said the public expects Harriet Miers, President Bush’s second nominee for the Supreme Court, to demonstrate that she shares retiring Justice Sandra Day O’Connor’s commitment to fundamental freedoms, such as the right to privacy as guaranteed by Roe v. Wade.

“The burden is on the Bush administration and Harriet Miers to prove to the American people that she will respect and protect our fundamental freedoms, including a woman’s right to choose. Miers does not appear to have a public record to assure America’s pro-choice majority that she is a moderate in the tradition of Justice Sandra Day O’Connor, who was the critical swing vote that protected women’s reproductive health and freedom. The president has known Miers for many years, so it’s incumbent upon his administration and this nominee to share with the American public her views on critical issues, including the right to privacy,” said Nancy Keenan, president of NARAL Pro-Choice America. “As the Court prepares to hear two cases affecting women’s reproductive rights this fall, the public does not want President Bush to replace Justice O’Connor with someone who would roll back protections for women’s health. With so much at stake, the burden of proof is on Miers and the Bush administration to provide evidence that she will continue the O’Connor tradition of independence, moderation, and reason.”

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Ted Miller

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NARAL Pro-Choice America

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