Justice Ginsburg: Roe v. Wade was Meant to Limit Undesirable Populations

WASHINGTON D.C. -During an interview by Emily Bazelon of the “New York Times Sunday Magazine”, Supreme Court Justice, Ruth Bader Ginsburg reveals how she originally understood the high court’s 1973 decision on ROE  v. WADE to be based upon a desire for government population control. Specifically stating:

“…there was concern about population growth and particularly growth in populations that we don’t want to have too many of.”

Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg
New York Times Magazine
July 12th, 2009 Edition

 

Justice Ginsburg points to U.S Air Force policy prior to ROE v. WADE of automatic discharge for women who became pregnant. She further explains how it was customary for superiors to recommend abortions in lieu of discharge and that the U.S. Air Force actually offered abortions to pregnant enlisted women on base. Specifically Justice Ginsburg cites her representation of Captain Susan Struck during her hearing in 1972.

Moreover, Justice Ginsburg reveals how she imagined Medicaid could have served as the vehicle for government funded abortions. However, to her complete surprise, the court ruled to uphold the “Hyde Amendment” i.e. prohibition on the government funding of abortion, in its 1980 decision,  HARRIS v. M_CRAE. The ninety-minute interview also covered her opinions on President Obama’s pick for the high court, Judge Sonia Sotomayor. To which Fox News Judicial Analyst, Judge Andrew Napolitano admonished her for cheer leading a potential Supreme Court nominee whilst residing on the bench.

Source(s): New York Times Magazine “The Place of Women on the Court” published for Sunday July 12th, 2009 Edition