First Female Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O'Connor Passes Away at 93
Appointed by Reagan, O'Connor served for over 25 years and inspired women across the country, despite facing opposition due to her stance on women's rights.
- Sandra Day O'Connor, the first woman to serve on the U.S. Supreme Court, passed away at the age of 93. She was appointed by former President Ronald Reagan in 1981 and served for over 25 years.
- O'Connor was not the first woman considered for the Supreme Court. Nine women appeared on presidential shortlists for the high court before O'Connor, dating back to the 1930s.
- O'Connor's appointment inspired women across the country and she advocated for the representation of women in professional life across all sectors.
- Despite the promise to appoint a woman to the Supreme Court, Reagan also considered male candidates. O'Connor was chosen not because she was a woman, but because she was the best candidate.
- O'Connor's nomination faced opposition from conservatives due to her previous openness to a more narrowly focused Equal Rights Amendment and her support for a bill to legalize abortion.
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