Amy Coney Barrett's Confirmation: A Triumph And Encouragement For Conservative Christian Women

Justice Amy Coney Barrett's recent confirmation to the U.S. Supreme Court is truly momentous and a cause for celebration. Shattering a unique glass ceiling, she has become the first mother of school-age children to serve on the high court, where her inspiring presence gives a voice to millions of Americans who have been underrepresented at this elite level: conservative women.

I'm grateful for this confirmation for a couple of reasons. Justice Barrett's experience and previous decisions suggest she's someone who deeply respects the First Amendment. All Americans benefit when a justice believes her role is to apply the law as it is written, rather than as she would like it to be written.

But my gratitude is also more personal. Serving in public life as a conservative, a Christian, a woman, and a lawyer can be lonely. There simply haven't been many of us living at the intersection of these identities. It's refreshing to look at the Supreme Court bench and remember we're not alone.

In part because of our religious convictions, we believe that God created the sexes equal and complementary. Because we know moms and dads aren't interchangeable, many conservative Christian women make the noble, wonderful choice to stay home and raise their families. That choice should be celebrated and supported. It does, however, have the unintended consequence of reducing the number of conservative Christian women with careers in the public square.

For conservative Christian couples, putting family first often means that women make career sacrifices and, as a result, don't rise to the top of their fields. I have three children, and — even with a supportive and generous husband — I've faced several times during my career when I've had to turn down opportunities for the good of my family.

Some progressives suggest that being a strong, public-facing woman requires support for abortion and a host of other family detrimental policies. But Justice Amy Coney Barrett — wife, mother of seven, practicing Christian, committed conservative — stands up and proves them deeply mistaken. During her confirmation hearings, I was inspired to see a woman who was articulate, brilliant, and at the height of her profession, yet unapologetic for her roles as a virtuous wife, dedicated mother, and committed believer.

Unfortunately, Justice Barrett came under attack for just this awe-inspiring balance between her work and her family, as some opponents claimed (with little selfawareness) that there was no way she could be a good mother and a good judge. Such harassment exposed the narrowness and rigidity of some on the far left, who seem bent on eliminating diversity of thought among women. Justice Barrett's confirmation hearings made it clear that many flourishing, successful, confident women don't have a place in the worldview of certain activists.

It would be unwise to predict how Justice Barrett might rule on particular issues related to the work of Alliance Defending Freedom. But since joining the court, she already has sided with religious freedom in striking down New York state's discriminatory COVID restrictions that treated churches and synagogues worse than secular businesses and gatherings. My hope is that she has the courage to interpret the Constitution according to its original meaning, and that she never minimizes the importance faith plays in her life.

Conservative Christian women are a significant part of American society, and we have been chronically underrepresented in public. But that's starting to change. There are more of us working as attorneys than ever before. We hope to serve as mentors and models for young women who seek wisdom on how to use their gifts for God's service, both at home and in the legal practice.

Justice Barrett's Supreme Court confirmation breaks an important barrier for women and girls — demonstrating that it is possible to honor a woman's role as a wife and mom, and also serve as a high-level attorney.