Supreme Court Upholds Partial Birth Abortion Ban

A nationwide ban on the controversial "partial birth" abortion has been upheld by the Supreme Court. It's seen as a long-awaited victory for abortion opponents from a more conservative bench. The 5-4 ruling said the Partial Birth Abortion Ban Act, which became law in 2003, does not violate a woman's constitutional right to an abortion.In the majority opinion, Justice Anthony Kennedy wrote opponents "have not demonstrated that the Act would be unconstitutional in a large fraction of relevant cases." President Bush's two appointees voted with the majority. Abortion rights groups have said such a ruling could threaten most abortions after 12 weeks of pregnancy, though supporters said there are procedures that are still legal. The outcome is likely to spur state efforts to place more restrictions on abortions.