Center for Reproductive Rights Statement on the Announcement of Supreme Court Nominee Merrick Garland

Said Nancy Northup, president and CEO of the Center for Reproductive Rights:“Today, President Obama took an important step by nominating Merrick Garland to the Supreme Court. Supreme Court Justices are responsible for some of the most consequential legal decisions affecting the lives of all Americans, and we strongly urge the Senate to put partisan politics aside and move quickly to fulfill its constitutional duty by immediately holding confirmation hearings. “It is critical that the next Supreme Court Justice recognize and uphold decades of Court precedent protecting women’s reproductive rights and safeguard our liberty and dignity against political attacks. We look forward to the confirmation of a justice that recognizes the urgency of protecting women’s constitutional rights at a time when they have become severely imperiled.”