Democrats target Susan Collins after Brett Kavanaugh signals support for anti-abortion legislation

Collins, who voted for Kavanaugh, said he assured her he'd defer to precedence in the battle over abortion rights

Published February 11, 2019 11:48AM (EST)

Susan Collins (AP/Elise Amendola)
Susan Collins (AP/Elise Amendola)

This article originally appeared on AlterNet.
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Democrats are aiming their ire at Sen. Susan Collins (R-ME) after Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh voted Thursday to undermine abortion laws, the Huffington Post reports.

Collins was a pivotal vote in Kavanaugh's confirmation hearing last year, offering an impassioned defense of the judge as he faced accusations of sexual assault and excessive drinking. During her speech before Congress, Collins insisted Kavanaugh had assured her he would defer to precedence in the fight over abortion rights. Collins claims to be pro-choice.

As the Huffington Post reports, on Thursday, Kavanaugh sided with conservative judges "to let a Louisiana law take effect that would have left the state with just one physician allowed to perform abortions ― a break from precedent."

Following that vote, pro-choice groups underscored how Collins' vote undermines Roe v. Wade.

"It has always been crystal clear that [Kavanaugh] intended to use his position to attack abortion rights, and thanks to Susan Collins, women will now pay the price," American Bridge spokesperson Amelia Penniman said in a statement. "This will go down in history as a key portion of her legacy, and it's a reality that she will have to answer for next year when she faces voters."

The president of NARAL Pro-Choice America likewise posted about Collins' Kavanaugh vote following Thursday's ruling, the Huffington Post reports:

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By Elizabeth Preza

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All Salon Brett Kavanaugh Democrats News & Politics Roe V. Wade Susan Collins U.s. Supreme Court