HARRIET MIERS MUST DEMONSTRATE SUPPORT
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 3, 2005
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
Seattle, WA–NARAL Pro-Choice Washington released the following statement in response to President Bush’s nomination of Harriet Miers to fill the second Supreme Court vacancy, replacing retiring Justice Sandra Day O'Connor.
“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,” said Karen Cooper, executive director of NARAL Pro-Choice Washington. Miers, 60, has little public record; however, she has been a longtime trusted advisor to the president.
“Bush has had many years to learn about Miers’ views. Now, it is incumbent upon Bush and this nominee to share with the American people her views on critical issues, including the right to privacy,” Cooper said. “Harriet Miers needs to demonstrate that she shares retiring Justice Sandra Day O'Connor's commitment to the right to privacy as guaranteed by Roe v. Wade,” Cooper added.
“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,” Cooper concluded.
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