Barrett Defends Court’s Independence, Abortion Vote in First TV Interview

Supreme Court Justice Amy Coney Barrett today rejected claims that the high court has shifted rightward and defended her decisive vote overturning Roe v. Wade, saying those choices are best left to the people and their elected representatives.

In an on‐camera interview airing September 7 to promote her forthcoming memoir, Barrett explained that her role is to interpret the Constitution, not to impose the Court’s values on society, underscoring her belief that Dobbs v. Jackson left abortion policy to state legislatures rather than the judiciary.

Barrett emphasized that labels like “right” or “left” oversimplify the Court’s work, noting she has faced criticism from both sides. She reiterated that Dobbs did not outlaw abortion or pass moral judgment but restored decision‐making to the states. Barrett said she does not regret joining the bench in 2020 and remains proud to serve, even as she admits to missing her former life in South Bend, Indiana.

• Barrett’s memoir, Listening to the Law, debuts September 9, and her media tour includes a keynote at the Library of Congress National Book Festival.
• She dismissed concerns of politicization, arguing life tenure and salary protections ensure judicial independence.
• Addressing questions about same‐sex marriage and other hot‐button issues, she stressed the Court’s duty is to apply law, not to satisfy public opinion.