Sen. Collins: Kavanaugh Considers Roe v. Wade ‘Settled Law’

Brett Kavanaugh, President Donald Trump’s nominee to the Supreme Court, believes Roe v. Wade is “settled law,” the lawmaker told reporters after the pair met Tuesday. Collins, who supports abortion rights, said she asked Kavanaugh about his stance on the subject, and he said he agreed with Chief Justice John G. Roberts Jr. “He said that he agreed with what Justice Roberts said at his nomination hearing, in which he said it was settled law. We had a very good, thorough discussion,” Collins said. She did not say if she would support Kavanaugh’s nomination, but has said she would oppose someone who “demonstrates hostility” to Roe v. Wade. Senate Republicans have a slim 51-49 majority, so Kavanaugh needs to appease moderates to ensure his confirmation. Justice Anthony Kennedy’s retirement has sparked fears about the fate of Roe v. Wade and causing a renewed push for women to get IUDs and other forms of birth control.