Alabama Supreme Court Rules Frozen Embryos Are People in Controversial Decision
Who is Chief Justice Tom Parker?
Chief Justice Tom Parker, acclaimed for his opinions that aim to challenge abortion rights, recently stirred controversy with his concurring opinion on a significant Alabama Supreme Court ruling. Parker, speaking from his religious beliefs, has been a long-standing supporter of restricting abortion access, playing a role in his objective to overturn Roe v. Wade. As a respected jurist, Parker has drawn criticism from reproductive rights advocates who argue that he is introducing religious views into legal decisions.
What did he write in the concurring opinion?
In his concurring opinion, Chief Justice Tom Parker repeatedly referenced religious scripture to argue for the acknowledgment of the “sanctity of unborn life.” He quoted from the Holy Bible and invoked the notion that life begins at conception. Parallel to his dissenting colleagues, Parker asserted that Alabama law protects frozen embryos as they are considered to be human lives.
Regarding the ruling’s potential effects on in vitro fertilization (IVF) in Alabama, Parker suggested that a limitation on the number of embryos implanted at a time could help safeguard embryos and reduce the need for destruction. However, this viewpoint has caused controversy, with critics casting doubt on the long-term viability and success of such legislative measures.
What is his history in previous rulings and politics?
Tom Parker, aged 72, joined the Alabama Supreme Court in 2004 and assumed the position of Chief Justice in 2018. He served as an assistant attorney general alongside Jeff Sessions, who later became U.S. Attorney General. Parker’s conservative beliefs and religious perspectives, often discernible in his opinions, have drawn both praise and condemnation.
Parker previously made headlines in 2003 when he worked as an aide to Roy Moore, who was removed from the state Supreme Court for defying a federal court order. Justice Parker has been an ardent advocate for fetal and human life protection, consistently criticizing abortion and the basis of the Roe v. Wade decision.
What is his connection to the Seven Mountain Mandate?
Chief Justice Tom Parker has expressed support for the Seven Mountain Mandate, a movement calling for conservative Christians to significantly influence and navigate American society through religious beliefs. Its objectives span various crucial aspects, including government, education, and media. Parker’s recent online broadcast endorsing the restoration of government by Christians highlights his connection to this movement.
Parker’s views align with those who believe that America was founded on biblical principles and that the country’s laws should reflect these ideals. While this interpretation is disputed by scholars, Parker’s adherence to the movement has ensured his place as a notable advocate.
Overall, Chief Justice Tom Parker’s concurring opinion and his consistent invocation of religious beliefs while forming judgments have entrenched him in the ongoing debate surrounding abortion and reproductive rights in Alabama and the United States.
