(WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- Just moments after Trump announced Judge Amy Coney Barrett as his nominee to the U.S. Supreme Court, Democrats are speaking up to voice their opposition of the pick.
Illinois U.S. Sen. Tammy Duckworth said in a statement that she does not support Barrett because of her failure to "demonstrate the capability or willingness to serve as an impartial, fair and independent jurist."
"Judge Barrett was not fit to be a Circuit Judge in 2017 and she is the wrong choice for a lifetime appointment to the Supreme Court today," Duckworth said in a statement.
Duckworth also said that Barrett's conservative views on abortion would roll back women's healthcare for reproductive rights. The senator said Barrett's confirmation could greenlight more dark money in politics, jeopardize voting rights and civil rights for Black and brown communities and knock down any progress on climate action.
Activists for women's reproductive rights are also critical of the nomination. The CEO of Planned Parenthood Illinois Action, a not-for-profit organization formed as the advocacy and political arm of Planned Parenthood in Illinois, sees Barrett as an extension of the White House's push to restrict Americans' access to healthcare, including abortions for women.
"By rushing to fill Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg's Supreme Court seat in the final months of his administration, President Trump is putting his thumb on the scales of justice for generations to come," said Jennifer Welch, President and CEO of Planned Parenthood Illinois Action. "Nominating Judge Amy Coney Barrett, who has a record of extreme opinions on abortion, further demonstrates Trump's unrelenting plan to take away our most fundamental rights."
Welch called the nomination dangerous and unethical, adding that it's a full flip from what previous judge Ruth Bader Ginsburg supported.
In anticipation of the thread to women's reproductive healthcare, Illinois passed the Reproductive Health Act in 2019, which recognizes the full range of reproductive health care as a fundamental right and ensures abortion remains legal in Illinois if Roe v. Wade is overturned.
"However, it does not safeguard Illinois residents from all threats to our reproductive health and rights," she said. "Illinois also serves as a safe haven for surrounding states, many of which have restrictive laws that create medically unnecessary barriers for patients seeking abortions and other essential health care. These barriers to care will worsen if a Trump nominee is rushed onto the Supreme Court."
In an interview with CNN following the nomination news, Illinois' senior senator did not say if he thought Barrett is qualified for the job but did express major concerns about her, like her ability to put her faith aside when it comes to court rulings.
Three years ago, he voted no for her place on the Circuit Judge because of her lack of experience. This time.
"This senator is going to be at the hearing," Durbin told CNN. "I have questions I want answered by a person who wants to serve on the Supreme Court and follow Ruth Bader Ginsburg."
