But this week's 5-4 ruling by the Supreme Court is good news for several reasons. First, it is a victory for the legislative process. The bipartisan majority for banning partial birth abortion persisted across five different Congresses. It survived two presidential vetoes and now has survived challenges from several Federal courts, including a previous Supreme Court ruling.
Second, the ban is now unambiguously the law of the land, as determined by elected representatives, not activist judges. This contrasts with the Roe v. Wade decision, which has always been a ruling, not the expressed will of the people as demonstrated in Congress.
Third, it is a victory for the sanctity of and respect for life. Partial-birth abortions are hideous and now they are on the way to being history. The ban emphatically says you cannot use this repulsive method to end the life of a live baby.
Fourth, this decision is further confirmation Supreme Court Justices John Roberts and Samuel Alito, President Bush's two successful appointments to the high court, are who we hoped and thought they were -- Justices committed to a fair and just interpretation of the Constitution.
The broader fight over abortion will doubtless continue for some time to come and it must until the life of every unborn American is protected by law. The Supreme Court ruling is cause for renewed hope and it comes during a week when Americans needed it most.
(This article was previously in Human Events: http://www.humanevents.com/)