DONALD Trump’s US Supreme Court nominee was met with protest scenes reminiscent of The Handmaid’s Tale while he was grilled in his confirmation hearing.

As Judge Brett Kavanaugh was scrutinised for his stance on abortion, about 15 women dressed in floor-length red cloaks and white bonnets stood in silence outside the hearing room.

In silent protest, the group attempted to carry the message popularised through the dystopian miniseries about a world where women are without basic human rights.

Mr Kavanough was slammed as the “greatest threat to the right to legal abortion” by Lori Lodes of advocacy group Demand Justice, who organised the demonstration, ABC News America reported.

“We are fighting Brett Kavanaugh’s nomination because he represents the greatest threat to the right to legal abortion since Roe was decided,” Ms Lodes said. “Already in America, the right to abortion is under attack, putting access out of reach for far too many women, especially low-income women and women of colour.

“Brett Kavanaugh would take our current reality and make it worse — much worse.

“If the images of women in Handmaids costumes are striking, good, because this is serious. Women’s bodies, futures and lives are literally on the line.”

Pro-choice activists are fearful that if Mr Kavanaugh takes a seat on the Supreme Court bench that he could work with his conservative counterparts to overturn the ruling of Roe v. Wade.

The landmark 1973 ruling resulted in legalised abortion across America by establishing a period where a pregnancy could be terminated.

But some conservatives believe abortion should not be regarded as a fundamental right, according to the Wall Street Journal.

During the hearing, Mr Kavanaugh said the Supreme Court must “never be viewed as partisan”. He is also known have told one Republican politician that Roe v. Wade is “settled law”, the Wall Street Journal reported.

While there is uncertainty as to what exactly he meant, it’s thought he could believe that legalised abortion is now firmly embedded into US law.

Among the Handmaids were more than two dozen protesters who disrupted the hearing at several points and were removed by police.

“This is a mockery and a travesty of justice,” shouted one woman. “Cancel Brett Kavanaugh!” Others shouted against the president or to protect abortion access.

Democrats and Republicans sparred throughout the day, with politically charged arguments about White House documents and process getting as much attention as the role the conservative judge would likely play in shaping rulings on abortion, executive power and other national issues.

After hours silently listening to the partisan exchanges, Mr Kavanaugh rose to be sworn in and give opening remarks.

He stressed the court’s independence at a time when Democrats say he was picked because Trump believes the judge’s expansive views of executive power will help the president in investigations.

“The Supreme Court is the last line of defence for the separation of powers and the rights and liberties guaranteed by the Constitution,” Mr Kavanaugh said.

Questioning of Kavanaugh will begin on Wednesday, and votes on the Senate floor could occur this month.

Kavanaugh could be on the bench when the court begins its new term on October 1.