Justice Amy Coney Barrett Defends Dobbs Ruling, Urges Judges to Ignore Critics

Supreme Court Justice Amy Coney Barrett defended the 2022 Dobbs ruling that overturned Roe v. Wade, emphasizing that it was a matter of states’ rights best left to the democratic process rather than the courts. In a CBS interview, Barrett clarified that Dobbs did not make abortion illegal or comment on its morality, but rather removed the constitutional role of courts in deciding abortion regulations, leaving states to legislate accordingly. She urged justices to ignore criticisms from political figures such as Hillary Clinton, who had warned that the court might similarly challenge gay marriage rights. Barrett also addressed accusations that the Court has shifted rightward under her tenure and Trump’s presidency, stating that the Court’s role is to decide legal questions without political bias, often revising her views based on case arguments and evidence. The Justice dismissed claims that the Court granted President Trump unchecked power over immigration and federal workforce issues, underscoring the legal, not political, nature of the Court’s decisions. Barrett’s remarks reflect her broader view that the judiciary should remain insulated from political discourse and focus on interpreting the law as outlined by the Constitution.