The first round of hearings to confirm Judge Neil Gorsuch to the Supreme Court began today (March 20).
In his opening statement, Judge Gorsuch quoted from the epitaph of Massachusetts Judge Increase Sumner, saying he strives to be described as Sumner was:
“As a lawyer he was faithful and able. As a judge, patient, impartial and decisive. As a chief magistrate, accessible, frank and decisive. In private life, he was affectionate and mild. In public life was dignified and firm.”
Life Legal supports the confirmation of Judge Gorsuch. In his book, Assisted Suicide and Euthanasia, Gorsuch declares human life a “basic innate good,” meaning that life is “intrinsically good in and of itself.” The innate value of human life is the foundation for the idea of human equality—which is the basis of our Constitution.
Judge Gorsuch condemns the utilitarian views of Peter Singer and others who believe that certain people, including babies who are not “wanted,” are not worthy of legal protection.
“We treat people as worthy of equal respect because of their status as human beings and without regard to their looks, gender, race, creed, or any other incidental trait—because, in the words of the Declaration of Independence, we hold it as “self-evident” that “all men (and women] are created equal” and enjoy “certain unalienable Rights,” and “that among these are LIFE.”‘ (Neil Gorsuch, Assisted Suicide and Euthanasia)
Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley stated that he plans to conclude the confirmation proceedings by Wednesday evening.
The confirmation of Judge Gorsuch has critical ramifications for the protection of the unborn. Life Legal is currently litigating two cases on behalf of David Daleiden and the Center for Medical Progress, both of which are on appeal to the Ninth Circuit. The Ninth Circuit has historically ruled in favor of abortion “rights.” These cases may eventually work their way to the Supreme Court.
Watch the first hearing here.