Blumenthal Presses Avowed Anti-Choice Judicial Nominee to Uphold Roe v. Wade
[WASHINGTON, DC] – Today in a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing, U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) pressed nominee for the 8th Circuit Court of Appeals Steve Grasz to uphold Roe v Wade, which recognizes the constitutional right to abortion. Grasz is a member of the Board of Directors for the Nebraska Family Alliance, an avowed anti-choice organization.
“Do you believe there is a constitutional right to privacy?” Blumenthal asked.
“Senator, the United States Supreme Court has held very clearly since Griswold v Connecticut that a right to privacy exists stemming from the 14th Amendment of the Constitution,” said Grasz.
“And that right to privacy has also been held to include reproductive rights, correct?” said Blumenthal.
Grasz said, “Senator, yes.”
“So do you believe that there is a constitutional right to privacy that encompasses and includes the right of women to decide when or where to have an abortion?” asked Blumenthal.
“Senator, the precedent of the U.S. Supreme Court reaffirming Roe v Wade and Planned Parenthood v Casey is the clear and existing and binding precedent on the 8th Circuit Court of Appeals and on all other inferior courts,” said Grasz.
Blumenthal asked, “If confirmed will you uphold that right?”
“It would be my solemn obligation and duty to faithfully apply the precedent of the United States Supreme Court, including that decision,” said Grasz.
Blumenthal’s full line of questioning is available for download here.