The first media mention of John Roberts’ wife’s views on abortion has been spotted on the front page of the LA Times. It’s a surprisingly even-handed account of Roberts’ views, with a lot of emphasis on Mrs. Roberts’ religion. (Catholicism) They didn’t even play the “anti-choice” vs “pro-choice” and women’s “reproductive rights” game that we so often see in the media. (wow. Kudos to them!) It’s definitely worth a read as we learn a little bit more about the mysterious woman. Such as:

• Mrs. Roberts was a volunteer member for Feminists for Life’s board of directors from 1995 – 1999.

• She offered legal assistance to the organization, and continues to work as a lawyer for Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw and Pittman. (working on mostly unrelated cases.)

• She wrote a few times for FFL newsletter about adoption, presumably to relate her own experiences with it. (both of her wee ones were adopted.)

Admittedly, this speaks only for Mrs Roberts’ views, but it’s enough.

A spouse’s views normally are not considered relevant in weighing someone’s job suitability. But abortion is likely to figure prominently in the Senate debate over John Roberts’ nomination. And with his position on the issue unclear, abortion rights supporters expressed concern Wednesday that his wife’s views might suggest he also embraced efforts to overturn Roe vs. Wade.

“It’s unclear how all this will affect her husband,” said Jennifer Palmieri, a spokeswoman with the Center for American Progress, a liberal public policy group. “It’s possible that he would have a different view than her. It’s just that in the absence of information about this guy, people are looking at her and trying to read the tea leaves.”

Asked to discuss her role with Feminists for Life, Jane Roberts said in an e-mail to the Los Angeles Times: “Thanks for your inquiry. At this time, however, I would like to decline your invitation to talk.”

It’s definitely worth it to read the whole thing.

UPDATE: statement from Feminists For Life.