Pro-Life Groups Mourn the Passing of Justice Antonin Scalia: He Was a True Pro-Life Hero

Leading pro-life groups and advocates responded Saturday to the passing of pro-life Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia. They were united in their effusive praise for the deceased Supreme Court justice, who was clear in his conviction about overturning Roe v. Wade.

Here are a selection of the statements LifeNews.com has received:

Carol Tobias, president of National Right to Life: We are deeply saddened by the death of Justice Antonin Scalia. Justice Scalia steadfastly defended the right of elected lawmakers to enact laws that protect unborn children and their mothers and he often issued powerful critiques of the judicially manufactured barriers that limited such legislative efforts. Our thoughts and prayers are with Justice Scalia’s widow and family.

Alliance Defending Freedom President, CEO, and General Counsel Alan Sears regarding the passing of U.S. Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia:

“The entire Alliance Defending Freedom team mourns the loss of a true friend of ordered liberty and of all Americans: Justice Antonin Scalia. Justice Scalia was the most vocal and passionate voice on the Supreme Court for religious freedom, the sanctity of life, and marriage and family over the past three decades. While we grieve his passing, we must always remember that God is in charge. We also note that it is unlikely that a new justice will be installed prior to the election of our next president. All of us are thankful for Justice Scalia’s legacy of consistently standing in defense of our constitutionally protected freedoms. Please join us in prayer for the Scalia family, the entire Supreme Court family, and our nation.”

Americans United for Life President and CEO Dr. Charmaine Yoest called news of the passing of Justice Antonin Scalia “a tragic loss for our country. Americans mourn the passing of a man with deep integrity and unparalleled intellectual force, who valued the Constitution over the whims of popular culture.”

She continued: “Known for his great wit and wisdom, Justice Scalia continually reminded us that the rule of law and protections enshrined in the Constitution are essential. His contribution to our country has been immeasurable.  His respect for life in law, calling himself a ‘textualist,’ allowed him to decide on the tough cases more easily: he once said to reporters, ‘Abortion? Absolutely easy. Nobody ever thought the Constitution prevented restrictions on abortion.’”

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Yoest added, “His loss is tragic, and we hope that when it comes time for the Senate to vote on his replacement, that a worthy successor who can pick up his banner can be found after the election.”

Mat Staver, Founder and Chairman of Liberty Counsel: “With the passing of Justice Scalia, the future of the High Court and the future of America is hanging in the balance. The Senate must not confirm any nominee to the Supreme Court from President Obama. The Senate must hold off any confirmation until the next President is seated. Unfortunately the presidential debates have been more theater and less substance about the real issues surrounding the Supreme Court. The election of the next President has now taken on even greater importance. The future of the Supreme Court and America now depends on the Senate blocking any nominee by President Obama and the people electing the right person to occupy the White House,” said Staver.

Father Frank Pavone: I am saddened today to learn of the passing of a great man, a great American, and a great Justice of the Court. I have been privileged to know Antonin Scalia, and some of his family. And he was blessed with a wonderful family. He once told his sons that he would consider it such a blessing if one of them were to become a priest.  His son, Father Paul, is an exemplary Catholic priest today. Justice Scalia had a profound understanding of how our government — and in particular  the Supreme Court — is supposed to work. He did not want the Court to create public policy– whether it was policy he agreed with or not. He urged people to use the political and legislative process to bring about change. In the days to come, let us pray for him, for his family, and for the Court and the nation he served so well. In his memory, let us strive to attain his understanding of this great Republic and to work tirelessly to preserve and expand the blessings it can be for the world.

“This is a sad day for our nation as we mourn the loss of one of the country’s most brilliant and ardent supporters of the Constitution,” said Jay Sekulow, Chief Counsel of the ACLJ.  “I had the honor and privilege of knowing Justice Scalia for the more than 25 years that I have practiced before the court. Justice Scalia had a keen understanding of what our Founding Fathers intended and dedicated his life to carrying out the rule of law. Justice Scalia will be deeply missed by so many who understood and respected his passion for justice and the rule of law.”

Gary Bauer: Scalia was a stalwart conservative who consistently looked at the actual words of the Constitution and the intent of the Founders in every decision he made. His passing is not only tragic for his family and those who personally knew and loved him, it has grave, obvious implications for the future of the Republic.  With his passing there are now four committed liberals on the Supreme Court, three conservative justices and Justice Kennedy. President Obama will undoubtedly attempt to solidify his legacy by appointing a fifth left-wing justice, which means that a new conservative president would face a hostile court ready to strike down initiatives on issues ranging from immigration to the sanctity of life.  For now we grieve the passing of this great man. On Tuesday I will report to you in detail why the Senate must refuse to confirm any new justice on the eve of the presidential election that will decide the future of our country. Please join Carol and me in prayer for Justice Scalia’s family and our future.

Eric Scheidler of the Pro-Life Action League: I’m most grateful to Justice Antonin Scalia for his defense of the civil rights of pro-life activists, particularly joining the 8-1 and 8-0 majorities that reversed the judgement against my father Joe in the landmark National Organization for Women v. Scheidler case. More recently. Justice Scalia spoke eloquently of the work of pro-life sidewalk counselors in the McCullen v. Coakley case that struck down buffer zones around abortion clinics. He will be sorely missed by those of us working to save lives on the front lines outside abortion clinics.

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