There are no two ways about it. If you are a pro-choice person, you'll find yesterday's Supreme Court ruling worthy of black arm bands and quickening despair. In the most stunning defeat of abortion rights in 30 years, the Supreme Court (In a 5-4 ruling) banned partial birth abortion, making it easier to enact further restrictions and erode the constitutionally protected rights of women to choose, rights until now protected by Roe v. Wade.
Dissenting Justice Ruth Bader Ginsberg decried the decision, stating that the court was essentially sanctioning an all-out attack on a woman's right to choose. Partial birth abortion has been challenged many times before by pro-life advocates, most recently in 2000. This is the first time the Court has ruled against a specific procedure.
Not surprisingly, President Bush is calling this another successful effort by his administration to protect the sanctity of life. Nevermind the war and the poverty and the millions of children without insurance. Bah.
Pro-choice groups are rallying to protect the rights ensured by Roe v. Wade and will continue to do so despite today's defeat.
