"The announcement the President just made is significant, I believe, because it contributes to the end of the days when women, at least half the talent pool in our society, appear in high places only as one-at-a-time performers."

Ruth accepting President Bill Clinton's nomination to the high court in the Rose Garden on June 15, 1993. Prior to choosing Ruth, Clinton considered many people to replace Justice Byron White, including Mario Cuomo and his own wife Hillary Cinton. Ruth's role as a pioneer in human rights + her unique rationale for supporting Roe v. Wade {she views anti-abortion laws as sex discrimination} were among the numerous factors that gave her the edge in the end.

White House Photographs Office | CC-00 |

The 4 female justices to date ~ Sandra Day O'Connor {now retired}, Sonia Sotomayor, Ruth and Elena Kagan. These women often vote as a block.

Steve Petteway for the Supreme Court of the United States | CC-2.0 |