September 21, 2018
The Honorable Chuck Grassley
Chairman
Committee on the Judiciary
United States Senate
226 Dirksen Senate Office Building
Washington, DC 20510
The Honorable Diane Feinstein
Ranking Member
Committee on the Judiciary
United States Senate
425 Hart Senate Office Building
Washington, DC 20510
Re: Call for a full investigation of the allegations by Dr. Blasey Ford against Judge Kavanaugh
Dear Chairman Grassley and Ranking Member Feinstein:
The Religious Coalition for Reproductive Choice (RCRC) is deeply concerned by the serious allegations of sexual assault raised by Dr. Christine Blasey Ford against Judge Brett Kavanaugh. We urge conducting an independent investigation of this matter before moving to another hearing. Considering Dr. Ford’s serious allegations and the national upheaval around sexual misconduct, rushing to a vote on this nomination would be highly inappropriate.
The Religious Coalition for Reproductive Choice has long trained interfaith clergy to provide non-judgmental counseling to women making their own independent decisions about their reproductive lives. We understand the deeply personal, complex nature of the process women go through in sorting out the impact of experiences such as the encounter Dr. Ford has described with Judge Kavanaugh. Intense public scrutiny in Dr. Ford’s case only makes this more complicated for her.
In case you are unfamiliar with our organization, we are a broad-based, national, interfaith movement that brings the moral force of religion to protect and advance reproductive health, choice, rights and justice through education, prophetic witness, pastoral presence and advocacy.
We trust women and respect their ability to discern their own proper courses of action.
Once Dr. Ford’s confidential accusations became public, she courageously decided to tell her story. We hope the Committee will show its respect for Dr. Ford by conducting an investigation by professionals who have worked with survivors of trauma.
Few Senate responsibilities carry more lasting effects than evaluating a nominee for a lifetime seat on our highest court. We urge you to conduct a fair, non-partisan and thorough process.
Sincerely,
Delia Allen-O’Brien Rev. Dr. Cari Jackson Lisa Weiner-Mahfuz
Executive Directors
Religious Coalition for Reproductive Choice