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After all, those state laws do eventually become Supreme Court battles. On November 30, for example, the Court will hear Ayotte v. Planned Parenthood of Northern New England, a case regarding a New Hampshire parental notification law. Soon, the Court may also consider whether Partial-Birth Abortion Ban Act of 2003 is unconstitutional.

The public debate that arises over such Supreme Court cases is part of the process "to change the hearts and minds of Americans on the issue affecting innocent life," said National Right to Life Committee director of outreach Ernie Ohlhoff. The partial-birth abortion debate was particularly "a step forward in the education process of the general public," he said. The group is hoping that another Supreme Court battle over the procedure will do what earlier Court and congressional battles did, as "the mushy middle people were brought into the pro-life position, at least partially."

ALL said the partial-birth abortion ban was a "waste of time" and obscures more important issues like personhood.

But Care Net's Entsminger said it's time for the pro-life community to reconsider any and all of its legislative priorities. Success in reducing abortions will be more likely, he said, if "those who value the sanctity of life … begin focusing more on practical solutions that empower women to choose life, rather than political solutions that are perceived as taking away abortion rights. … As pregnancy centers increase their outreach, pro-lifers can continue to make a substantial impact in reducing abortion without legal changes."

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Other recent CT articles on the Supreme Court include:

Alito Nomination Pleases Christian Conservatives | Supporters cite judge's credentials and decisions on religious expression. (Nov. 2, 2005)

Evolution, Not Revolution | Christians need to lower their Supreme Court expectations. (Nov. 1, 2005)

Miers Withdrawal Shows Split Among Religious Conservatives | High-profile cases underscore stakes for next nominee. (Oct. 27, 2005)

What If They Threw a Judicial Confirmation Battle and Nobody Came? | Though Roberts nomination looks certain, groups say they'll spend resources on the debate—and set the stage for the next one. (Aug. 8, 2005)

In Perspective
Where Does Feminists for Life Fit in the Pro-life Community? | Group brings unique niche strategy to the movement. (July 29, 2005)

Weblog: Jane Roberts for Supreme Court Justice! | Questions on John Roberts's abortion stance, but none regarding his wife (July 21, 2005)

Conservative Religious Groups Praise 'Originalist' Roberts Nomination | But in 2003 nominee said he was uncomfortable with the label. (July 20, 2005)

Weblog: Is Gonzales Pro-Life? Does it Matter? | Inside the "originalist" Gonzales opinion that has pro-lifers so upset (July 12, 2005)

Supreme Court Opening Will Test Strength of Religious Conservatives | Conservative groups say this is why they pushed for Bush's re-election. (July 01, 2005)

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November (Web-only) 2005, Vol. 49