BTL:Planned Parenthood Court Challenge Overturns GOP-Backed...'

...Partial Birth Abortion Ban Act~ Interview with Beth Parker, attorney representing Planned Parenthood in the Partial Birth Abortion Ban court case, conducted by Between the Lines' Melinda Tuhus

Planned Parenthood Court Challenge Overturns GOP-Backed Partial Birth Abortion Ban Act

Interview with Beth Parker, attorney representing Planned Parenthood in the Partial Birth Abortion Ban court case, conducted by Melinda Tuhus

On June 1, federal judge Phyllis Hamilton struck down the so-called Partial Birth Abortion Ban Act, as unconstitutional on three grounds. The federal law -- passed by the Republican-controlled Congress and signed into law by President Bush -- was challenged in court by the Planned Parenthood Federation of America.

But while the judge's landmark ruling protects doctors who provide abortions at all Planned Parenthood clinics throughout the country, she declined to issue a more comprehensive injunction protecting all abortion providers out of deference to two other challenges to the law currently underway in Nebraska and New York. The Bush administration has vowed to appeal any and all adverse rulings, which could involve three separate circuit courts. If there's a split in the rulings of the circuit courts, the case will go to the U.S. Supreme Court.

Between The Lines' Melinda Tuhus spoke with Beth Parker, the San Francisco attorney who won the case on behalf of Planned Parenthood. She summarizes the judge's ruling, examines current public support for abortion rights, and what a possible second term for George W. Bush could mean for women seeking abortions.

Contact Planned Parenthood Federation of America at www.plannedparenthood.org
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