Bonnie Watson Coleman: “Judge Neil Gorsuch's lifelong appointment to the Supreme Court would have serious consequences for all Americans, but…”

“Judge Neil Gorsuch's lifelong appointment to the Supreme Court would have serious consequences for all Americans, but especially the health and well-being of African- American women. In 2013, by ruling that corporations have the right to deny access to contraceptives on employer-sponsored health insurance plans, Judge Gorsuch proved that he believes the reproductive decisions of women nationwide can and should impact their livelihood. This is problematic and troubling. For Black women and so many women across the world, birth control is a matter of health and life. We rely on contraception to treat endometriosis, manage uterine fibroids, unplanned pregnancies, and quell PMS symptoms. In 2013, Judge Neil Gorsuch made the decision that his overarching commitment to religious freedom as a constitutional and statutory right is more important than lifesaving reproductive care. In 2013, he proved he should not be confirmed to the United States Supreme Court. For this reason and a host of others, I implore my colleagues in the Senate to take all available steps to oppose Judge Gorsuch's nomination. ____________________”