Things You Should Know About Supreme Court Justice Amy Coney Barrett
Amy Coney Barrett joined the U.S. Supreme Court as the 103rd justice on October 27, 2020, filling the seat left by the late Ruth Bader Ginsburg (RBG). Her appointment has sparked extensive debates about her judicial philosophy and its implications for key issues in the United States. Here’s what you need to know about her.
1. Her Religious Beliefs Influence Her Judicial Decisions
Barrett’s strong religious convictions have been a central theme of her career and judicial outlook. For example, she has consistently prioritized employers’ religious beliefs over employees’ rights. One notable decision was her siding with the Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals in Illinois to exempt religious gatherings from COVID-19 restrictions. This ruling essentially elevated the right to religious freedom above public health concerns during a global pandemic.
2. Her Stance on Contraception and Religious Liberty
Barrett’s opposition to the Affordable Care Act’s contraception mandate was evident during her time as a law professor at Notre Dame. She added her name to a protest published in the National Catholic Register, which argued that the federal mandate violated religious liberty. Here’s an excerpt from that protest:
“The Obama administration’s ‘accommodation’ for religious institutions regarding the HHS mandate fails to address the moral concerns. Religious employers are coerced into purchasing insurance policies that cover abortion-inducing drugs, sterilization, and contraception—services they find gravely immoral. This so-called ‘accommodation’ does nothing to protect religious liberty or the rights of conscience.”
Barrett’s position highlights her commitment to religious freedom, even when it conflicts with federal policies aimed at expanding healthcare access.
3. Her Appointment Was Politicized
Barrett’s nomination and confirmation process were expedited by the Trump administration, with full awareness of her conservative stance on issues like abortion. This political maneuvering occurred as Roe v. Wade—the landmark case protecting abortion rights—loomed as a potential target for the Court’s conservative majority.
4. A Polarizing Presence on the Supreme Court
Critics argue that Barrett’s presence on the bench undermines the Supreme Court’s legitimacy, reducing it to the level of lower courts. Her conservative rulings have led some to believe that the Court has become overly politicized, unable to live up to the standards set by her predecessor, Ruth Bader Ginsburg.
Barrett’s judicial record will undoubtedly continue to shape key decisions in the U.S., particularly on issues of reproductive rights, healthcare, and religious liberty. Whether one views her appointment as a triumph or a setback depends largely on one’s perspective on these critical issues.