Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.) (YouTube)

(CNSNews.com) – When asked about a replacement justice on the Supreme Court for the retiring Anthony Kennedy, Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.) said he would like to see a “pro-life” judge on the court who believes in equal protection for the unborn.

At the U.S. Capitol on Thursday, CNSNews.com asked Senator Paul, “Would you like to see President Trump nominate a Supreme Court justice who believes that an unborn child with a beating heart is a ‘person’ entitled to equal protection of the law under the 14th Amendment?”

Senator Paul said, “I think we do need a pro-life justice and I’ve always been in favor of that.”

Associate Justice Anthony Kennedy served on the high court for 30 years. He was nominated by President Ronald Reagan and confirmed by the Senate in 1988.

Kennedy, considered a swing vote on the Supreme Court, had a tremendous social and legal impact with several of his decisions. For instance, in a 5-4 vote, Kennedy voted to uphold Roe v. Wade and he declared the killing of children by abortion a constitutional right. (Planned Parenthood of Southeast Pennsylvania v. Casey.)

President Donald Trump has released a list of potential Supreme Court nominees and said that one of the persons on that list will be nominated. His previous selection, Neil Gorsuch, was on the list.