WASHINGTON – Following the President’s announcement that he intends to nominate Judge Brett Kavanaugh to the U.S. Supreme Court, the Asian and Pacific Islander American Health Forum (APIAHF) released the following statement.
“As the final arbiter of the law in this nation, the Supreme Court holds the lives and futures of all Americans in its balance and as such, any nominee must respect the fundamental rights of all persons. Yet, the Administration’s nominee, Judge Kavanaugh, raises grave concerns for the lives of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders (AA and NHPI).
In particular, the reproductive rights of women and families to determine if, when or how to have a family and their very economic futures is at risk. At the same time, another legal challenge to the Affordable Care Act in Texas v. U.S. is working its way through the courts and seeks to enjoin the entire law, potentially taking away health care for 17.1 million Americans in 2019 alone.
Our courts have a duty to protect those most vulnerable and ensure that civil rights, reproductive justice and health equity are upheld. It is now the responsibility of the Senate to critically evaluate the President’s nominee in light of his record on these fundamental rights. The protection of our Constitution and of all Americans depends on it.”