Top US court tackles abortion law

Feelings about abortion continue to run high

The US Supreme Court has re-entered one of the country's most divisive debates by agreeing to look at re-instating a law limiting teenage abortion rights.

The judges will review a lower court decision to abolish a New Hampshire law under which doctors must inform parents if they plan an abortion on a teenager.

Crucially, the court is also due to set the legal standard when reviewing the constitutionality of abortion laws.

The move comes amid growing sensitivity over the future of abortion rights.

A fierce debate is currently raging in the US Senate over the use of the filibuster - or the blocking of legislation by debating it at length - to prevent President Bush pushing through his choice of judicial nominees.

These choices are not for places in the Supreme Court, but both sides of the abortion debate know that, should any vacancies arise there during the Mr Bush's second term, those picked could ultimately help overturn the 1973 ruling which made abortion legal.

Exceptions

Two courts in the north-eastern state of New Hampshire last year struck down legislation which required doctors to provide 48 hours notice to parents of girls under 18 who wanted an abortion.

It was argued that the legislation was unconstitutional because it lacked an exception in the event of a medical emergency involving the girl.

In their appeal to the Supreme Court, New Hampshire officials who support the law reject that interpretation, arguing that the "health and life" of the teenager is indeed protected by the legislation and other state laws.

"The Supreme Court has a very important opportunity to ensure that parents are informed about the health of their children, especially when it comes to abortion," said Jay Sekulow, chief counsel of the American Center for Law and Justice, which takes an anti-abortion stance.

The Planned Parenthood Federation of America said it was "surprised and disappointed the Supreme Court has decided to hear this case".

"Yet we are confident that this court will reaffirm a woman's right to abortion access. States should never put women's health at risk," Karen Pearl, interim president, said in a statement.

The Supreme Court last ruled on an abortion law five years ago. In that case, it struck down a Nebraska law that banned a particular type of abortion.

Arguments in the case are expected to be held in December, with a decision likely in the first half of next year.