Mary E. Harned, J.D.
Associate ScholarMary E. Harned served as an Investigative Counsel with the Select Investigative Panel of the U.S. House Energy and Commerce Committee, where she coauthored reports examining the fetal tissue industry. Formerly, Mary was Staff Counsel with Americans United for Life, where she authored numerous articles for Defending Life (AUL’s annual publication), op-eds, blog posts, congressional and state legislative testimony, and federal administrative comments. She also crafted original model legislation and supporting materials to aid state and federal legislators in advancing policy objectives within her expertise. Mary appeared in the media in her role at AUL, including Fox News, CBN, National Review Online, The Washington Times, The Daily Caller, Lifenews, and numerous radio programs and print interviews.
Mary formerly served as Chief Counsel to U.S. Senator Tom Coburn (R-OK), where she advised and assisted Dr. Coburn on policy issues within the Senate Judiciary Committee’s jurisdiction and on all judicial nominations, including those of Chief Justice Roberts and Justice Alito to the U.S. Supreme Court. Prior to that, she served as a Counsel to U.S. Senator Jeff Sessions  (R-AL) on the Senate Judiciary Committee.
Mary graduated cum laude from the University of Alabama School of Law, and received her B.A. in political science from the University of Alabama, where she served as president of the campus pro-life organization. Mary also served as a board member and counselor for the local pregnancy care center, and as Chairman of the College Republican Federation of Alabama.
She lives with her husband and children in northern Virginia.
Research Authored
Abortion Industry’s Latest Strategy Dismissed in Virginia Lawsuit
Last week, a federal court held that a lawsuit challenging multiple pro-life laws in Virginia may proceed. However, the court rightfully dismissed the plaintiffs’ “cumulative undue burden” claim—the centerpiece of the abortion industry’s latest strategy to undermine laws written to protect unborn children and their mothers.