The passing of Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg on September 18, 2020, sent shockwaves throughout the entire nation and raised the stakes for this year’s presidential election. This tragic event sent millions lamenting her loss and recalling all of her accomplishments. Ruth Bader Ginsburg (RBG)  was the first woman to receive tenure while working at the Columbia University School of Law. She was also inducted into the National Women’s Hall of Fame in 2002 and received the ABA Medal, American Bar Association’s highest medal.

Not only was RBG a feminist icon, but the faith of every liberal in the supreme court system rested on her shoulders. Ruth Bader Ginsburg paved roads and smashed glass ceilings, but without her on the court, the justices might retrace many of her progressive steps. Although the RBG’s dying wish was to not be replaced until after the election, Senator Mitch McConnell has agreed to pass President Trump’s nomination for RBG’s replacement. 

President Trump nominated lawyer, jurist, and Judge Amy Coney Barrett from the seventh circuit on the US court of appeals for the Supreme Court on September 26th, 2020. Although the federal judge has been on Trump’s list of nominations since 2017, Trump always gave the job to someone else. Now, Barrett finally has the opportunity to get on the Supreme Court. Although she stated that she would keep her biases out of her rulings, many liberals are critical of her. One of the biggest criticisms of Barrett is the threat she poses to Roe v. Wade and women’s rights. Roe v. Wade legalized abortion without excessive government restrictions. The ruling on Roe v. Wade was a landmark victory for women’s rights activists and the possibility that Barrett could overturn it strikes fear in liberals and women’s rights activists. Additionally, Barret is known for her more conservative associates and ideas, especially her job as a law clerk for Justice Antonio Scalia, a known beacon for the right-wing. Furthermore, Barrett has been known to support organizations that oppose the Affordable Care Act and the use of contraceptives.

RBG balanced the political ideologies on the Supreme Court with her leftist views, but Barret’s conservatism threatens not only the balance between left and right but also abortion laws and women’s rights. Adding this into the boiling cauldron of American politics, this year’s election becomes vital to the direction of women’s rights laws.

All in all, Ginsburg continues to inspire so many women and affect our nation even in her death. Her passing turned the already important election into one that is pivotal for an entire generation and inspired many people to donate to political organizations. Only hours after her death, Americans donated record-breaking amounts of money to Democrats and their causes. The iconic Ruth Bader Ginsburg changed the face of American politics and will always hold a special place in our hearts.