William Rehnquist

Health history

Back pain treated with sedatives

In February of 1977, Rehnquist injured his back, severely enough to be hospitalized for a week, and was placed in traction. He then suffered from chronic lower back pain. In late 1981, Supreme Court observers noted that his speech was slurred and sometimes not understandable. On December 27, 1981, he entered George Washington University Hospital for treatment of side effects, including slurred speech, caused by a drug he was taking to relieve back pain. The drug was reported to be the prescription sedative Placidyl, which can be addictive.

Related Topics:
1977 - 1981 - December 27 - George Washington University Hospital - Placidyl

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Thyroid cancer

On October 26, 2004, the Supreme Court announced that Rehnquist had recently been diagnosed with thyroid cancer, and that he had been hospitalized at the National Naval Medical Center in Maryland for the past five days before the announcement. In a brief statement, the Court said that Rehnquist underwent a tracheotomy two days prior. This led to renewed speculation in the media over Rehnquist's health, and his possible retirement and potential replacements.

Related Topics:
October 26 - 2004 - Diagnosed - Thyroid cancer - Tracheotomy - Potential replacements

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Because of his health problems, doubts were raised about whether he would be able to administer the oath of office to President George W. Bush at his inaugural on January 20, 2005. Rehnquist did swear in Bush at the inaugural. He arrived using a cane, walking very slowly, and left immediately after the oath itself was administered.

Related Topics:
George W. Bush - January 20 - 2005

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After missing 44 oral arguments before the court in late 2004 and early 2005, Rehnquist appeared on the bench again on March 21. During his absence, however, he remained involved in the business of the court, participating in many of the decisions and deliberations made. On May 23, Rehnquist briefly visited the Capitol Medical Department, furthering speculation that he would retire at the end of the term.

Related Topics:
March 21 - May 23

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On July 1, Rehnquist's colleague Sandra Day O'Connor announced her retirement from her position of Associate Justice, which possibly affected Rehnquist's decision of whether or not to announce his own retirement.

Related Topics:
July 1 - Sandra Day O'Connor

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Speculation about Rehnquist's pending retirement was raised on July 8 by various rumors, most notably by a headline on The Drudge Report. When no Rehnquist announcement had come by late morning, new speculation started that the White House had asked the Chief Justice to delay making public a decision until Bush returned from an overseas trip. But after stopping by the British ambassador's residence to sign a condolence book for victims of the London bombing, Bush returned to the White House with no word on Rehnquist. Commenting on the frenzy of speculation over his retirement, Rehnquist said, "That's for me to know and you to find out."

Related Topics:
July 8 - The Drudge Report - London bombing

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On Wednesday, July 13, the Chief Justice was again hospitalized, this time with a high fever, reportedly a complication of his ongoing treatment for thyroid cancer.

Related Topics:
July 13 - Thyroid cancer

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On Thursday, July 14, hours after being released from the hospital, Rehnquist issued the following statement: "I want to put to rest the speculation and unfounded rumors of my imminent retirement. I am not about to announce my retirement. I will continue to perform my duties as chief justice as long as my health permits."

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On August 4, 2005, Rehnquist was again admitted to a hospital, again with a fever.

Related Topics:
August 4 - 2005

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