Alito's Own Words Reveal His Anti-Choice Legal Philosophy

Washington, DC -- Nancy Keenan, president of NARAL Pro-Choice America, said that documents released today confirm what pro-choice Americans have feared: Supreme Court nominee Samuel Alito embraces a legal philosophy under which the constitution does not protect a woman's right to choose. In a written answer to questions contained in Alito's application for a key post in the Reagan administration's Justice Department, he wrote: "[I]t has been an honor and source of personal satisfaction for me to serve in the office of the Solicitor General during President Reagan's administration and to help advance legal positions in which I personally believe very strongly. I am particularly proud of my contributions in recent cases in which the government has argued in the Supreme Court . . . that the Constitution does not protect a right to an abortion."

"Samuel Alito's stated opposition to a woman's constitutional right to choose as guaranteed by Roe v. Wade is further evidence that anti-choice groups got exactly what they ordered from President Bush. This new information about Alito's legal philosophy further puts him out of the mainstream. The White House can't expect Americans to feel secure while they pursue the dual strategy of telling the public to ignore Alito's own written documentation of his legal philosophy but simultaneously using it to assure far right groups of his anti-choice positions.

"Mr. Alito proudly endorsed the Reagan administration’s aggressive anti-choice agenda, and made clear that he supports the legal argument that Roe v. Wade was wrongly decided. As a Supreme Court Justice, he would have the opportunity to dismantle reproductive rights to the point where Roe is almost meaningless or even vote to overturn Roe. Pro-choice Americans want the Senate to press Mr. Alito on why he chose to highlight his disregard for women’s fundamental freedom in a job application. It is a fair question about his legal philosophy, and Mr. Alito owes the public a direct and clear answer," Keenan said. 

Contact:
Ted Miller, 202.973.3032