Neil Gorsuch says he never promised Trump he'd overturn Roe v. Wade: ‘That's not what judges do'

(Image credit: Screenshot/Fox News)

published 21 March 2017

On Tuesday, during the second day of his confirmation hearings before the Senate, prospective Supreme Court justice Neil Gorsuch firmly denied he'd ever indicated to President Trump that he would overturn the landmark Roe v. Wade decision once he got to the bench. "That's not what judges do," Gorsuch stated. His answer came in response to Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), who asked Gorsuch what his response to the president would have been if Trump had asked for such a guarantee:

Earlier in the hearing, Gorsuch was questioned on the iconic abortion rights ruling by Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.). Feinstein referred to the Roe ruling as having "super precedent," and noted Trump had publicly stated he'd appoint to the vacant Supreme Court seat someone who would overturn the ruling. Gorsuch responded by acknowledging Roe has "been reaffirmed many times," and offered an extended explanation of the importance of precedent in the law, which you can watch below. Kimberly Alters