Anthony Kennedy has acted as what is called a "swing vote" on the Supreme Court for decades. This means he held liberal, or democratic, views on some issues (LGBTQ+, women's rights, etc.) but also had conservative, or Republican, views on other issues (gun control, corporate spending, etc.). He recently announced his retirement.

When a Supreme Court justice retires or passes away, it's the president's job to nominate a new judge. President Trump swore to his supporters he'd nominate a fully conservative justice. Now he's following through with that promise. His nominee, Judge Brett M. Kavanaugh, is fiercely republican. Past fellow politicians have complained that he is too partisan, meaning he is strongly loyal to his side. Trump has said that Kavanaugh will apply the Constitution "as written".

What this can mean for you:

The Roe v. Wade is one of the biggest abortion cases in U.S. history. After the Supreme Court ruled in favor of legalizing abortion, women's rights in the country were forever changed. That being said, some states are incredibly restrictive with their abortion laws even now, but it is still legal in the U.S.

If Judge Kavanaugh becomes our next Supreme Court justice, there is a huge possibility Roe v. Wade will be overturned. Women all across the country will lose access to safe and legal abortion.

This nomination will affect more than women's healthcare. Other important and relevant issues, like gun control, face major setbacks if the Supreme Court becomes a majority conservative.

So what now?

Not all hope is lost. For a presidential nominee to be placed into office, the Senate must first vote. Right now the Republicans hold a 51-49 majority. This means the party will need almost every single one of their senators to vote for Judge Kavanaugh, and almost every Democrat will need to vote against him.

Can I help?

Yes! Call your senators now and let them know that you oppose their support of Judge Kavanaugh. Keep their phones ringing off the hook. Politicians have to listen to their constituents.