- Home
- About Us
- Contributors
- Departments
- Topics
- Back Issues
- Weekly Archives
- AmSpecBlog
- Subscribe
- Newsletter
- Advertise
- Donate
- Contact Us
- Daily Digest
- Templeton Essays
AmSpecBlog
Where Does Sotomayor Stand on Abortion?
It is widely and understandably assumed that Sonia Sotomayor is pro-abortion. But Steven Waldman points out that we actually don't have much evidence of her opinion:
After the announcement of Sonia Sotomayor's selection, abortion groups lined up predictably, pro-life groups expressing outrage and pro-choice offering praise. Everyone seems to be assuming she's ardently pro-choice, if for no other reason than that Obama's appointed her.
But there's stunningly little information about her abortion views - and what we do know hardly paints her as a pro-choice activist.
She's ruled on only three cases indirectly related to abortion and in each case she took the position preferred by the pro-life forces, albeit for reasons unrelated to the merits of abortion.
The conventional wisdom probably is true. Still, one can always hope (dream?) of a liberal appointee who turns out to be unexpectedly sound on one of the worst constitutional decisions ever.
Comments
Leave a Comment
BJC| 5.26.09 @ 8:30PM
Alas! I happen to believe Sotomayor's lack of "fingerprints" on pro-abortion judicial rulings most likely was part of the political calculation in selecting her. But even if she is a hidden defender of the right to life in pertinent laws, all the rest of her anti-constitutionalist judgifying tips the scales against approving her for anyone who stills treats the oath to the Constitution as binding.
MattSwartz| 5.26.09 @ 9:52PM
I'm almost sure Obama extracted "assurances" from her on this. They've already made a point of explaining that she isn't that kind of Catholic; someone with the administration explained that she was "raised Catholic and attends on special occasions", or something like that.
Still, it would be awesome.
ds80| 5.26.09 @ 10:58PM
If Sotomayor is truly Catholic, she is Pro-Life.
If Sotomayor is Anti-Life, she is not truly Catholic.
By definition. Despite any utterances to the contrary.
Roy| 5.27.09 @ 12:19AM
Yeah, the richness of her Latina experience apparently was not so rich that it prevented her from thorough servility to the media on an issue that the religion of her ancestors holds to be of paramount importance. That's a major reason I hold identity politics in contempt; it amounts to being able to say "I am the eternal slave of the NY Times editorial board" in the language of your (real or imagined) ancestors, and that is about it.
SLG| 5.27.09 @ 8:56AM
Typical -- with all her other Marxist/activist/terrible leanings, of course the priorities on these pages are abortion.....
Floyd R. Turbo| 5.27.09 @ 4:54PM
Let's hope her vote keeps it "safe, legal and rare"
Waterboarding.
Whadcha think I meant?
Alma Jurgensen| 5.27.09 @ 6:58PM
Pres. GHW Bush nominated Clarence Thomas because he had 'empathy'. And let's not forget that GW Bush talked about 'compassionate conservatives'. What's so terrible about being empathetic or compassionate?
Pingback| 5.28.09 @ 1:31PM
Where Does Sotomayor Stand on Abortion? — ButAsForMe links to this page. Here’s an excerpt:
casey anderson| 5.28.09 @ 3:00PM
That is what is great about America. We all have our own opinions and are free how to live our lives without government interference. If you dont believe in abortion then dont have one. Too many women have died in this country because we try to legislate morality. We consevatives need to stop being hipocrates about big government!
jordan| 8.19.09 @ 10:07PM
air jordan 8
air jordan 9
air jordan 10
air jordan 11
air jordan 12
air jordan 13
air jordan 14
abercrombie and fitch| 9.3.09 @ 3:42AM
good post!abercrombie and fitch on Sale, Hoodies, Jeans, T-Shirts, Pants, Polos abercrombie and fitch abercrombie fitch abercrombie cheap
abercrombie and fitch Abercrombie Men Tee abercrombie womens polos
abercrombie and fitch Men, women, and children's clothing
ugg boots| 9.3.09 @ 5:47AM
ugg boots
classic ugg boots
micky&vicky;| 9.4.09 @ 11:03PM
ghd Hair Straightener
Bose headphones for sale
NFL jerseys| 9.7.09 @ 11:10PM
It is a wonderful article,I like it!Welcome to read following news: NFL jersey,ghd Hair Straightener,NFL jerseys,Photoshop CS2,Adobe Photoshop CS4,cheap uggs.
rentacar| 11.12.09 @ 5:50PM
This article is very interesting. Thank you very much for sharing .
replica watch paypal| 12.9.09 @ 11:20PM
Nice post!
replica watch paypal can be the perfect choice for you.Welcome to check our web!
Thank you!