In this file photo taken on September 20, 2017 US Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg looks on as she speaks to first year Georgetown University law students in Washington, DC. US Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, the 87-year-old anchor of its liberal wing, said Friday that she is undergoing chemotherapy for a recurrence of cancer but will remain on the bench.
“I have often said I would remain a member of the Court as long as I can do the job full steam,” she said in a statement. “I remain fully able to do that.” The four liberals — with moderate conservative Chief Justice John Roberts often acting as a swing vote — have prevented a reversal of long-standing abortion rights, rebuked stronger executive powers for the president and staved off greater involvement of religion in public life.
“I am tolerating chemotherapy well and am encouraged by the success of my current treatment,” she said. “I will continue bi-weekly chemotherapy to keep my cancer at bay, and am able to maintain an active daily routine.Ginsburg said that her brief hospitalization this week for an infection was unrelated to her cancer diagnosis and treatment.
Both Trump’s Republicans as well as Democrats have made the balance of the court a campaign issue for November’s presidential election. Democrats for their part have sought to mobilize voters, warning that Trump should not be allowed to name another justice.