Senate committee recommends O'Connor

September 16, 1981

The Senate Judiciary Committee unanimously recommended Sandra Day O'connor be confirmed the first woman justice on the Supreme Court, virtually assuring full Senate confirmation.

The committee voted 17-0, with Sen. Jeremiah Denton (R) of alabama voting "present," saying he was disappointed that Mrs. O'Connor declined to give her "judicial view" on abortion during three days of hearings.

While she said abortion is personally "repugnant," Mrs. O'Connor refused to say whether her possible votes on the matter as a member of the highest court would reflect her personal view.

Mrs. O'Connor, an Arizona appeals court judge, could be confirmed by the full Senate as early as today.