Senate confirms Trump judicial nominee, an abortion foe rated as ‘not qualifed’
WASHINGTON — The Senate on Wednesday confirmed a St. Louis County attorney known for her opposition to abortion and support for religious rights to a federal judgeship in St. Louis.
Sarah Pitlyk’s appointment to the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Missouri came despite the American Bar Assn. rating her as “not qualified” because of her lack of experience in the courtroom.
Pitlyk is special counsel to the Chicago-based Thomas More Society, a not-for-profit law firm that says it is “dedicated to restoring respect in law for life, family, and religious liberty.” She worked to defeat an “abortion sanctuary city’’ ordinance in St. Louis and was involved in a dispute over whether a St. Louis couple’s frozen embryos were property or unborn children, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch has reported.
Sen. Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) said in a statement after the vote that Pitlyk’s “strong legal experience, sharp intellect, and commitment to the rule of law” made her an outstanding choice for the court. He recommended Pitlyk to President Trump, who nominated her.
Get the L.A. Times Politics newsletter
Deeply reported insights into legislation, politics and policy from Sacramento, Washington and beyond. In your inbox three times per week.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
