Sandra Day O’Connor, who made history as the first woman on the Supreme Court, dies at 93

Sandra Day O’Connor, the groundbreaking justice who became the first woman to serve on the U.S. Supreme Court, passed away at the age of 93 in Phoenix, Arizona on Friday. Her death was attributed to complications related to advanced dementia, likely Alzheimer’s, and a respiratory illness, as per a court announcement.

President Ronald Reagan nominated O’Connor in 1981, and the full Senate confirmed her with a unanimous vote of 99-0 in September of the same year. O’Connor, known for her moderate stance, played a pivotal role as the decisive vote in numerous significant cases during her nearly 25 years as an associate justice, retiring in 2006.

Among the high-profile cases during her tenure were Bush v. Gore, settling the 2000 presidential contest in favor of George W. Bush, and Planned Parenthood of Southeastern Pennsylvania v. Casey, a 5-4 decision affirming the constitutional right to abortion with some state-imposed restrictions. O’Connor sided with the majority in both cases.

Described as a “true public servant” and “trailblazer,” O’Connor cast the “swing vote” 330 times during her 24 years on the bench, influencing critical decisions, particularly in areas like abortion rights and affirmative action.

In 2022, O’Connor's successor, Justice Samuel Alito, authored the majority opinion overturning Planned Parenthood v. Casey and Roe v. Wade, eliminating federal-level abortion rights.

Chief Justice John Roberts praised O’Connor as a historic trailblazer, emphasizing her undaunted determination and eloquent advocacy for civics education. Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer also paid tribute, highlighting O’Connor’s brilliance and conviction in American law history.

O’Connor’s impact on federalism was notable, as she provided decisive votes in the mid-1990s and 2000, finding federal laws unconstitutional under the Commerce Clause. She also played a crucial role in shaping the composition of the Supreme Court, with her successors including Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Sonia Sotomayor, Elena Kagan, Amy Coney Barrett, and Ketanji Brown Jackson.

Born in El Paso, Texas, on March 26, 1930, O’Connor grew up on an Arizona ranch. She graduated from Stanford University's law school in 1952 and began her legal career in various roles, including deputy county attorney and assistant attorney general. O’Connor’s contributions extended to her service in the Arizona state Senate, Maricopa County Superior Court, and the Arizona Court of Appeals.

O’Connor’s legacy as a trailblazer for women in law is evident, and her influence is recognized not only for breaking barriers but also for mentoring and inspiring future generations of female legal professionals. She authored several books, including her memoir "Lazy B" and "Out of Order: Stories from the History of the Supreme Court."

O’Connor, a cancer survivor, remained on the Supreme Court bench after being diagnosed with breast cancer in 1988. Her impact on the legal field is enduring, reflected in the increasing percentage of women in law school from 36% at her appointment to 48% at her retirement in 2006.

Survived by three children, six grandchildren, and her brother Alan, O’Connor’s legacy as a legal pioneer and advocate for justice, equality, and the rule of law continues to be celebrated.