Fact Check: Justice Amy Coney Barrett opposed taking up the case that overturned Roe v. Wade but ultimately joined the ruling.

Fact Check: Justice Amy Coney Barrett Opposed Taking Up the Case that Overturned Roe v. Wade but Ultimately Joined the Ruling

What We Know

Justice Amy Coney Barrett, appointed to the Supreme Court by former President Donald Trump, has had a complex relationship with the issue of abortion rights. According to a report by The New York Times, Barrett opposed even taking up the case that ultimately led to the overturning of Roe v. Wade, which established federal protections for abortion rights. Despite her initial opposition, she ultimately joined the ruling that overturned this landmark decision. This internal conflict illustrates the nuanced positions she has taken on the court, particularly regarding contentious issues like abortion.

Barrett's judicial philosophy has been scrutinized, especially in light of her previous statements and actions regarding abortion rights. During her confirmation hearings, she emphasized that her personal beliefs would not influence her judicial decisions, a stance that aligns with her later actions on the bench (NPR).

Analysis

The claim that Justice Barrett opposed taking up the case that overturned Roe v. Wade but ultimately joined the ruling is supported by credible sources. The New York Times article provides direct evidence of her opposition in a key internal vote, which indicates a level of discomfort with the case before the court (source-1). This is further corroborated by other reports, such as one from the New York Post, which also states that Barrett objected to her colleagues taking up the case (source-4).

However, it is important to assess the reliability of these sources. The New York Times is widely regarded as a reputable news organization with a long history of journalistic integrity. The New York Post, while credible, has a reputation for sensationalism, which may affect the framing of its reporting. Nonetheless, both sources align on the key point regarding Barrett's initial opposition and subsequent decision to join the ruling.

Moreover, Barrett's judicial record indicates a complex approach to abortion rights. As noted in an analysis by NPR, she has expressed views that suggest a willingness to allow states more leeway in regulating abortion, which aligns with the ruling that overturned Roe v. Wade (source-3). This duality in her stance reflects the broader tensions within the Supreme Court regarding abortion rights and the influence of personal beliefs versus judicial responsibility.

Conclusion

The claim that Justice Amy Coney Barrett opposed taking up the case that overturned Roe v. Wade but ultimately joined the ruling is True. The evidence from multiple credible sources confirms that Barrett did express opposition to the case in an internal vote, yet she later aligned with the majority in the ruling that dismantled federal protections for abortion rights. This situation highlights the complexities of her judicial philosophy and the dynamics within the Supreme Court.

Sources

1. How Amy Coney Barrett Is Confounding the Right and the Left
2. Fact Check: Amy Coney Barrett statements on 'super-precedents' made during confirmation hearings
3. A Look At Amy Coney Barrett's Record On Abortion Rights
4. Amy Coney Barrett opposed hearing case that overturned Roe v. Wade
5. What Amy Coney Barrett Said About Roe v. Wade As Decision Overturned
6. Who voted to overturn Roe v. Wade and who voted to uphold it
7. What Gorsuch, Kavanaugh and Barrett Said About Roe at Confirmation Hearings
8. Here's How Each Supreme Court Justice Ruled on Overturning Roe v. Wade