Wisconsinites Oppose Roberts' Nomination
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE September 19, 2005
THOUSANDS OF WISCONSINITES OPPOSE ROBERTS’ NOMINATION
Senators Feingold and Kohl Should Vote ‘No’ on Roberts’ Nomination for Chief Justice
Madison, WI — Today NARAL Pro-Choice Wisconsin, the political arm of the state’s pro-choice movement, delivered over 700 petition signatures to the state offices of Senators Kohl and Feingold, asking them to oppose John Roberts’ nomination for Chief Justice of the Supreme Court.
Kelda Helen Roys, Executive Director of NARAL Pro-Choice Wisconsin said, “John Roberts views are not comforting to Americans who value their fundamental right to privacy. Thousands of Wisconsinites have already contacted Senators Kohl and Feingold, urging them to oppose John Roberts. They want our senators to stand up for the culture of freedom and personal responsibility we have come to cherish by voting no on Roberts’ nomination.”
“The decisions Roberts could make as Chief Justice could have a lasting, devastating impact on the health of women for years to come,” said NARAL Pro-Choice Wisconsin activist Jessica Wartenweiler. “I’m in college right now, but by the time he retires from the Court my kids will be out of college. Yet he refused to answer any questions about how he’ll shape their future rights and freedoms.”
If confirmed, John Roberts would lead the Court this fall as it prepares to hear its first case on the right to choose in five years, Ayotte v. Planned Parenthood of Northern New England. With this case, the Court could eviscerate Roe v. Wade’s core protection of the right to choose. If they overturn the lower courts’ decisions, women will lose the constitutional right to terminate a pregnancy to protect their own health. The Court will also examine what standard of review courts will use in determining the constitutionality of restrictions on abortion rights in future cases.
“For women in Wisconsin, there is too much at stake to give Roberts a lifetime appointment,” said Roys, who is also an attorney. “Wisconsin has a felony abortion statute still on the books that has been unenforceable since Roe. If Roe’s protection disappears, women and the doctors who assist them could be prosecuted or even thrown behind bars.”
Attached is the letter sent to Senators Kohl and Feingold, outlining the widespread opposition to Roberts.
Contact: Kelda Helen Roys, 608-213-4502
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