1 The Supreme Court ruled on Wednesday that a New Hampshire abortion law should not have been struck down in its entirety simply because it lacked an exception for a pregnant minor's health emergency. REUTERS/File 2 Attorney General Kelly Ayotte discusses from her office in Concord, N.H., Wednesday, Jan. 18, 2006, a U.S. Supreme Court ruling on a New Hampshire abortion law. Supreme Court Justices said that a lower court went too far by permanently blocking the law that requires a parent to be told before a minor daughter ends her pregnancy. (AP Photo/Jim Cole) 3 Attorney General Kelly Ayotte discusses a U.S. Supreme court ruling on a New Hampshire abortion law Wednesday, Jan. 18, 2006, from her office in Concord, N.H. Supreme Court Justices said that a lower court went too far by permanently blocking the law that requires a parent to be told before a minor daughter ends her pregnancy. (AP Photo/Jim Cole) 4 Pro-choice demonstrators wave signs in front of the US Supreme Court, in Washington, DC, in 2005. The US Supreme Court said an appeals court had been wrong to invalidate a New Hampshire state law requiring minors to notify a parent before obtaining an abortion.(AFP/File/Karen Bleier) 5 In its first abortion ruling in more than five years, the Supreme Court said on Wednesday that a lower court should not have struck down a state law requiring parental notice before a minor's abortion because only part of it raised constitutional problems. REUTERS/File 6 New Hampshire Attorney General Kelly Ayotte is seen Tuesday Jan. 17, 2006 at the Statehouse in Concord, N.H. The U.S. Supreme Court ruled in Ayotte's favor Wednesday, Jan. 18, 2006 that a lower court was wrong in striking down a New Hampshire abortion law requiring a parent to be told before a daughter under the age of 18 ends her pregnancy. (AP Photo/Jim Cole) 7 A security guard is seen walking in front of the United States Supreme Court in an undated file photo. A unanimous Supreme Court, in its first abortion decision since 2000, sent a case back for more hearings on a New Hampshire law requiring notification of a parent before a minor can end her pregnancy. REUTERS/File 8 A woman joins a large crowd demanding the right of choice for abortions in the northern Italian city of Milan January 14, 2006. Tens of thousands of Italians protested on Saturday demanding legal recognition for gay unions and the right to abortion, two days after Pope Benedict condemned homosexual marriage and the use of the abortion pill. Police said 50,000 people were gathered in the northern city's Piazza del Duomo overlooked by its giant Gothic cathedral. Organisers put the number at 100,000. The sign reads in Italian 'Stop the clerical harassment'. REUTERS/Loris Savino 9 A large crowd gathers to demand the right of choice for abortions in the northern Italian city of Milan January 14, 2006. Tens of thousands of Italians protested on Saturday demanding legal recognition for gay unions and the right to abortion, two days after Pope Benedict condemned homosexual marriage and the use of the abortion pill. Police said 50,000 people were gathered in the northern city's Piazza del Duomo overlooked by its giant Gothic cathedral. Organisers put the number at 100,000. The sign reads in Italian 'Friends of ABCD: Bicocca Institution for the Coordination of Women'. REUTERS/Loris Savino 10 A large crowd gathers to demand the right of choice for abortions in the northern Italian city of Milan January 14, 2006. Tens of thousands of Italians protested on Saturday demanding legal recognition for gay unions and the right to abortion, two days after Pope Benedict condemned homosexual marriage and the use of the abortion pill. Police said 50,000 people were gathered in the northern city's Piazza del Duomo overlooked by its giant Gothic cathedral. Organisers put the number at 100,000. REUTERS/Loris Savino 11 Demonstrators dressed as sperm cross a main avenue during a campaign promoting use of condoms in Bogota, Colombia, Wednesday, May 18. 2005. Colombia is one of several Latin American countries where U.S.-based advocacy groups, both conservative and liberal, have recently have become more engaged in local debates over abortion and birth control. U.S. advocacy groups are now waging their culture war skirmishes worldwide as they try to influence other countries' laws and wrangle over how U.S. aid money should be spent. (AP Photo/ Javier Galeano, file) 12 Some of the tens of thousands of women who marched through downtown Milan, Italy, Saturday, Jan. 14, 2006 to keep Italy's liberal abortion law intact while gays rallied in Rome Saturday to push for legal recognition for homosexual couples as both issues heated up in the campaign for the premiership. (AP Photo/Giuseppe Aresu) 13 Demonstrators attend a protest in favour of gay rights in the Italian capital of Rome January 14, 2006. Italians protested on Saturday demanding gay unions be legalised, two days after Pope Benedict condemned homosexual marriage and the use of the abortion pill. The demonstrators, including women and gay couples, crammed into squares in Rome and the financial capital Milan. REUTERS/Stringer 14 A transvestite wearing a strapless bridal gown holds a photo of Pope Benedict while attending a protest in favour of gay rights in Italy's capital Rome January 14, 2006. Italians protested on Saturday demanding gay unions be legalised, two days after Pope Benedict condemned homosexual marriage and the use of the abortion pill. The demonstrators, including women and gay couples, crammed into squares in Rome and the financial capital Milan. REUTERS/Stringer 15 Ten of thousands of women gather in the square in front of the gothic cathedral, in Milan, Italy, Saturday, Jan. 14, 2006 to keep Italy's liberal abortion law intact. Gays rallied in Rome Saturday to push for legal recognition for homosexual couples as both issues heated up in the campaign for the premiership. (AP Photo/Giuseppe Aresu) 16 A gay couple kiss during a protest in Italy's capital Rome January 14, 2006. Italians protested on Saturday demanding gay unions be legalised, two days after Pope Benedict condemned homosexual marriage and the use of the abortion pill. The demonstrators, including women and gay couples, crammed into squares in Rome and the financial capital Milan. REUTERS/Stringer 17 A gay couple kiss during a protest in Italy's capital Rome January 14, 2006. Italians protested on Saturday demanding gay unions be legalised, two days after Pope Benedict condemned homosexual marriage and the use of the abortion pill. Clutching banners reading 'We will not be silenced', the demonstrators, including women and gay couples, crammed into squares in Rome and the financial capital Milan. REUTERS/str 18 Demonstrators smile as they march in Milan, Italy, Saturday Jan.14, 2006. Women rallied in Milan to keep Italy's liberal abortion law intact while gays gathered in Rome to push for recognition for gay couples as both concerns heated up as campaign issues in this year's race for the premiership.The Milan rally was organized by women concerned that Catholic politicians, encouraged by the Vatican, would try to undo a 1978 law which makes abortion legal in the first three months of pregnancy. (AP Photo/ Giuseppe Aresu) 19 Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz, left, and Sen. Russ Feingold, D-Wis., right hold a news conference in this April 2, 2001 file photo, at the Capitol in Washington. Sen. Fred Thompson, R-Tenn., center background looks on. The Supreme Court will hear arguments Tuesday, Jan. 17, 2006, in an anti-abortion group's First Amendment challenge to advertising limits in the McCain-Feingold campaign finance law. (AP Photo/Joe Marquette, File) 20 Judiciary Committee Chairman Sen. Arlen Specter (R-PA) (L) talks with Ranking Democratic Member Sen. Patrick Leahy (D-VT) at the conclusion of the Senate hearings for U.S. Supreme Court nominee Samuel Alito on Capitol Hill in Washington January 13, 2006. Alito completed his testimony before the Committee after more than 18 hours of questions and appears to be headed for Senate confirmation despite a protracted effort by combative Democrats to show he would move the court to the right on abortion and other divisive issues. REUTERS/Jim Young 21 Ranking Democratic Member Sen. Patrick Leahy (D-VT) (R) pats Judiciary Committee Chairman Sen. Arlen Specter (R-PA) on the back at the conclusion of the Senate confirmation hearings for U.S. Supreme Court nominee Samuel Alito on Capitol Hill in Washington January 13, 2006. Alito completed his testimony before the Committee after more than 18 hours of questions and appears to be headed for Senate confirmation despite a protracted effort by combative Democrats to show he would move the court to the right on abortion and other divisive issues. REUTERS/Jim Young 22 Judiciary Committee Chairman Sen. Arlen Specter (R-PA) (L) shakes hands with Ranking Democratic Member Sen. Patrick Leahy (D-VT) at the conclusion of the Senate confirmation hearings for U.S. Supreme Court nominee Samuel Alito on Capitol Hill in Washington January 13, 2006. Alito completed his testimony before the Committee after more than 18 hours of questions and appears to be headed for Senate confirmation despite a protracted effort by combative Democrats to show he would move the court to the right on abortion and other divisive issues. REUTERS/Jim Young 23 Judiciary Committee Chairman Sen. Arlen Specter (R-PA) (L) shakes hands with Ranking Democratic Member Sen. Patrick Leahy (D-VT) at the conclusion of the Senate confirmation hearings for U.S. Supreme Court nominee Samuel Alito on Capitol Hill in Washington January 13, 2006. Alito on Thursday was headed for Senate confirmation despite a protracted effort by combative Democrats to show he would move the court to the right on abortion and other divisive issues. REUTERS/Jim Young 24 Chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committe Arlen Specter (R-PA) bangs his gavel to end the confirmation hearing of U.S. Supreme Court nominee Samuel Alito on Capitol Hill in Washington January 13, 2006. Alito completed his testimony before the Committee after more than 18 hours of questions and appears to be headed for Senate confirmation despite a protracted effort by combative Democrats to show he would move the court to the right on abortion and other divisive issues. REUTERS/Joshua Roberts 25 Chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committe Arlen Specter (L) (R-PA) and ranking democrat Patrick Leahy (D-VT) talk toward the end of the confirmation hearing of U.S. Supreme Court nominee Samuel Alito on Capitol Hill in Washington January 13, 2006. Alito completed his testimony before the Committee after more than 18 hours of questions and appears to be headed for Senate confirmation despite a protracted effort by combative Democrats to show he would move the court to the right on abortion and other divisive issues. REUTERS/Joshua Roberts 26 President of the National Bar Association Reginald M. Turner speaks during the confirmation hearing of U.S. Supreme Court nominee Samuel Alito on Capitol Hill in Washington January 13, 2006. Alito completed his testimony before the Committee after more than 18 hours of questions and appears to be headed for Senate confirmation despite a protracted effort by combative Democrats to show he would move the court to the right on abortion and other divisive issues. REUTERS/Joshua Roberts 27 Judiciary Committee Chairman Sen. Arlen Specter (R-PA) (L) shares a laugh with Ranking Democratic Member Sen. Patrick Leahy (D-VT) at the conclusion of the Senate hearings for U.S. Supreme Court nominee Samuel Alito on Capitol Hill in Washington January 13, 2006. Alito completed his testimony before the Committee after more than 18 hours of questions and appears to be headed for Senate confirmation despite a protracted effort by combative Democrats to show he would move the court to the right on abortion and other divisive issues. REUTERS/Jim Young 28 Lawyer Fred Gray (L) listens to questions about his testimony at a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing about U.S. Supreme Court nominee Samuel Alito on Capitol Hill in Washington, January 13, 2006. Alito on Thursday was headed for Senate confirmation despite a protracted effort by combative Democrats to show he would move the court to the right on abortion and other divisive issues. REUTERS/Jim Young 29 Lawyer Fred Gray (L), Kate Michelman, former president of National Abortion and Reproductive Rights Action League (2nd L), Professor Ronald S. Sullivan, Jr. (2nd R) and Professor Amanda Frost testify at a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing about U.S. Supreme Court nominee Samuel Alito on Capitol Hill in Washington January 13, 2006. Alito completed his testimony before the Committee after more than 18 hours of questions and appears to be headed for Senate confirmation despite a protracted effort by combative Democrats to show he would move the court to the right on abortion and other divisive issues. REUTERS/Jim Young 30 Panel members prepare to testify on Capitol Hill, Friday, Jan. 13, 2006, before the Senate Judiciary Committee's confirmation hearing for Supreme Court nominee Samuel Alito. From left are, Tuskeegee, Ala. attorney Fred Gary; former National Abortion and Reproductive Rights Action League (NARAL) President Kate Michelman; New Haven, Conn. attorney Ronald Sullivan Jr.; American University law professor Amanda Frost; and retired Northeastern University law professor John G.S. Flynn. (AP Photo/Dennis Cook) 31 Professor Nora Demleitner (from L-R), Professor Erwin Chemerinsky, Professor Anthony Kronman, former counsel to U.S. president Bill Clinton Beth Nolan, former U.S. Solicitor General Charles Freid and Professor Laurence H. Tribe appear before the Senate Judiciary Committee to testify at the confirmation hearing of U.S. Supreme Court nominee Samuel Alito on Capitol Hill in Washington January 13, 2006. Alito on Thursday was headed for Senate confirmation despite a protracted effort by combative Democrats to show he would move the court to the right on abortion and other divisive issues. REUTERS/Joshua Roberts 32 A police officer patrols in front of the U.S. Supreme Court building before the start of confirmation hearings of Supreme Court nominee Samuel Alito on Capitol Hill in Washington January 13, 2006. Alito on Thursday was headed for Senate confirmation despite a protracted effort by combative Democrats to show he would move the court to the right on abortion and other divisive issues. REUTERS/Joshua Roberts 33 Seats for the public remain empty at the start of the fifth day of the confirmation hearing of U.S. Supreme Court nominee Samuel Alito on Capitol Hill in Washington January 13, 2006. Alito completed his testimony before the Committee after more than 18 hours of questions and appears to be headed for Senate confirmation despite a protracted effort by combative Democrats to show he would move the court to the right on abortion and other divisive issues. REUTERS/Joshua Roberts 34 Former U.S. Solicitor General Charles Fried (L) and Professor Laurence H. Tribe speak during the confirmation hearing of U.S. Supreme Court nominee Samuel Alito on Capitol Hill in Washington January 13, 2006. Alito on Thursday was headed for Senate confirmation despite a protracted effort by combative Democrats to show he would move the court to the right on abortion and other divisive issues. REUTERS/Joshua Roberts 35 Former Solicitor General of the United States Charles Fried listens to questions during a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing about U.S. Supreme Court nominee Samuel Alito on Capitol Hill in Washington January 13, 2006. Alito completed his testimony before the Committee after more than 18 hours of questions and appears to be headed for Senate confirmation despite a protracted effort by combative Democrats to show he would move the court to the right on abortion and other divisive issues. REUTERS/Jim Young 36 U.S. Judiciary Committee Chairman Sen. Arlen Specter (R-PA) arrives to hear witness testimony for Supreme Court nominee Samuel Alito on Capitol Hill in Washington, January 13, 2006. Alito on Thursday was headed for Senate confirmation despite a protracted effort by combative Democrats to show he would move the court to the right on abortion and other divisive issues. REUTERS/Jim Young 37 Professor Laurence H. Tribe testifies at a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing about U.S. Supreme Court nominee Samuel Alito on Capitol Hill in Washington, January 13, 2006. Alito completed his testimony before the Committee after more than 18 hours of questions and appears to be headed for Senate confirmation despite a protracted effort by combative Democrats to show he would move the court to the right on abortion and other divisive issues. REUTERS/Jim Young 38 Professor Laurence H. Tribe (R) testifies at a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing about U.S. Supreme Court nominee Samuel Alito as former Solicitor General of the United States Charles Fried listens on Capitol Hill in Washington, January 13, 2006. Alito completed his testimony before the Committee after more than 18 hours of questions and appears to be headed for Senate confirmation despite a protracted effort by combative Democrats to show he would move the court to the right on abortion and other divisive issues. REUTERS/Jim Young 39 Pope Benedict XVI looks on during a meeting with officials from Rome and the surrounding Lazio region, in the Clementina hall at the Vatican, Thursday Jan. 12, 2006.The pontiff condemned the abortion pill on Thursday because it hides the 'gravity' of taking a human life, and also said it was wrong to give legal recognition to gay unions in a speech at the meeting. Benedict reaffirmed church teaching on both abortion and the sanctity of marriage between a man and a woman, touching on two major issues on Italy's political agenda before general elections in April. (AP Photo/Tony Gentile, POOL) 40 Pope Benedict XVI gives a gift to Rome's Major Walter Veltroni (L) during a meeting with political leaders of the Rome region in the Clementina hall at the Vatican January 12, 2006. The Pope, speaking out on hot topics that will figure in the campaigning for this year's Italian general elections, on Thursday condemned gay marriage and the use of the so-called 'abortion pill'. REUTERS/Tony Gentile 41 Pope Benedict XVI talks with Rome's Major Walter Veltroni (L) during a meeting with political leaders of the Rome region in the Clementina hall at the Vatican January 12, 2006. The Pope, speaking out on hot topics that will figure in the campaigning for this year's Italian general elections, on Thursday condemned gay marriage and the use of the so-called 'abortion pill'. REUTERS/Tony Gentile 42 Pope Benedict XVI receives a gift from Head of Rome Provincial government Enrico Gasbarra (L) during a meeting with political leaders of the Rome region in the Clementina hall at the Vatican January 12, 2006. The Pope, speaking out on hot topics that will figure in the campaigning for this year's Italian general elections, on Thursday condemned gay marriage and the use of the so-called 'abortion pill'. REUTERS/Tony Gentile 43 Pope Benedict XVI talks with Head of Rome Provincial government Enrico Gasbarra (L) during a meeting with political leaders of the Rome region in the Clementina hall at the Vatican January 12, 2006. The Pope, speaking out on hot topics that will figure in the campaigning for this year's Italian general elections, on Thursday condemned gay marriage and the use of the so-called 'abortion pill'. REUTERS/Tony Gentile 44 Pope Benedict XVI watches during a meeting with political leaders of the Rome region in the Clementina hall at the Vatican January 12, 2006. The Pope, speaking out on hot topics that will figure in the campaigning for this year's Italian general elections, on Thursday condemned gay marriage and the use of the so-called 'abortion pill'. REUTERS/Tony Gentile 45 Martha Alito (L) and her husband, U.S. Supreme Court nominee Samuel Alito (R), depart the third day of confirmation hearings on Capitol Hill in Washington January 11, 2006. Alito faced more aggressive questioning at his Senate confirmation hearing on Wednesday from Democrats who accused him of evasive answers and challenged his commitment to keep an 'open mind' on abortion. REUTERS/Jonathan Ernst 46 U.S. Supreme Court nominee Samuel Alito (R) and his wife Martha leave his Senate confirmation hearing on Capitol Hill in Washington January11, 2006. Alito faced more aggressive questioning at his Senate confirmation hearing on Wednesday from Democrats who accused him of evasive answers and challenged his commitment to keep an 'open mind' on abortion. REUTERS/Jim Young 47 Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Arlen Specter (L) (R-PA) talks to ranking democrat Patrick Leahy (D-VT) (R) and Sen. Charles Schumer (D-NY) at the end of the third day of the Senate confirmation hearings for Supreme Court nominee Samuel Alito on Capitol Hill in Washington January 11, 2006. Alito faced more aggressive questioning at his Senate confirmation hearing on Wednesday from Democrats who accused him of evasive answers and challenged his commitment to keep an 'open mind' on abortion. REUTERS/Jim Young 48 U.S. Supreme Court nominee Samuel Alito (R) and his wife Martha return from a break at his Senate confirmation hearing on Capitol Hill in Washington January 11, 2006. Alito faced more aggressive questioning at his Senate confirmation hearing on Wednesday from Democrats who accused him of evasive answers and challenged his commitment to keep an 'open mind' on abortion. REUTERS/Jim Young 49 U.S. Supreme Court nominee Samuel Alito (R) and his wife Martha return from a break at his Senate confirmation hearing on Capitol Hill in Washington January 11, 2006. Alito faced more aggressive questioning at his Senate confirmation hearing on Wednesday from Democrats who accused him of evasive answers and challenged his commitment to keep an 'open mind' on abortion. REUTERS/Jim Young 50 U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC) questions Supreme Court nominee Samuel Alito on Capitol Hill in Washington January 11, 2006. Alito faced more aggressive questioning at his Senate confirmation hearing on Wednesday from Democrats who accused him of evasive answers and challenged his commitment to keep an 'open mind' on abortion. REUTERS/Jonathan Ernst 51 U.S. Supreme Court nominee Samuel Alito listens to a question during the third day of confirmation hearings on Capitol Hill in Washington January 11, 2006. Alito faced more aggressive questioning at his Senate confirmation hearing on Wednesday from Democrats who accused him of evasive answers and challenged his commitment to keep an 'open mind' on abortion. REUTERS/Jonathan Ernst 52 U.S. Supreme Court nominee Samuel Alito responds to questions during the third day of confirmation hearings on Capitol Hill in Washington January 11, 2006. Alito faced more aggressive questioning at his Senate confirmation hearing on Wednesday from Democrats who accused him of evasive answers and challenged his commitment to keep an 'open mind' on abortion. REUTERS/Jonathan Ernst 53 U.S. Supreme Court nominee Samuel Alito responds to questions during the third day of confirmation hearings on Capitol Hill in Washington January 11, 2006. Alito faced more aggressive questioning at his Senate confirmation hearing on Wednesday from Democrats who accused him of evasive answers and challenged his commitment to keep an 'open mind' on abortion. REUTERS/Jonathan Ernst 54 U.S. Senator Charles Schumer (D-NY) questions Supreme Court nominee Samuel Alito on Capitol Hill in Washington January 11, 2006. Alito faced more aggressive questioning at his Senate confirmation hearing on Wednesday from Democrats who accused him of evasive answers and challenged his commitment to keep an 'open mind' on abortion. REUTERS/Jonathan Ernst 55 U.S. Supreme Court nominee Samuel Alito listens to questions on the third day of his Senate confirmation hearing on Capitol Hill in Washington, January11, 2006. Alito faced more aggressive questioning at his Senate confirmation hearing on Wednesday from Democrats who accused him of evasive answers and challenged his commitment to keep an 'open mind' on abortion. REUTERS/Jim Young 56 U.S. Supreme Court nominee Samuel Alito and his wife Martha share a laugh on the third day of his Senate confirmation hearing on Capitol Hill in Washington January11, 2006. Alito faced more aggressive questioning at his Senate confirmation hearing on Wednesday from Democrats who accused him of evasive answers and challenged his commitment to keep an 'open mind' on abortion. REUTERS/Jim Young 57 Ranking Democratic party senator Patrick Leahy (D-VT) (L) and Senator Ted Kennedy (D-MA) listen to proceedings on the third day of the senate confirmation hearings of Supreme Court nominee Samuel Alito on Capitol Hill in Washington January 11, 2006. Alito faced more aggressive questioning at his Senate confirmation hearing on Wednesday from Democrats who accused him of evasive answers and challenged his commitment to keep an 'open mind' on abortion. REUTERS/Jim Young 58 Committee on the Judiciary Chairman Arlen Specter (R-PA) listens to proceedings on the third day of the senate confirmation hearings for Supreme Court nominee Samuel Alito on Capitol Hill in Washington January 11, 2006. Alito faced more aggressive questioning at his Senate confirmation hearing on Wednesday from Democrats who accused him of evasive answers and challenged his commitment to keep an 'open mind' on abortion. REUTERS/Jim Young 59 Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) makes a point as she questions Supreme Court nominee Samuel Alito during the third day of his senate confirmation hearings on Capitol Hill in Washington January 11, 2006. Alito sought on Wednesday to ease fears that he would seek to overturn the landmark 1973 ruling that legalized abortion, but Democrats said they were not convinced. REUTERS/Jonathan Ernst 60 The hands of family members of Supreme Court nominee Samuel Alito (L) are shown as Alito takes part in the third day of his senate confirmation hearings on Capitol Hill in Washington January 11, 2006. Alito sought on Wednesday to ease fears that he would seek to overturn the landmark 1973 ruling that legalized abortion, but Democrats said they were not convinced. REUTERS/Jonathan Ernst 61 Judge Samuel Alito takes his seat after a break on the third day of his Senate Judiciary Committee confirmation hearing for the U.S. Supreme Court on Capitol Hill in Washington January 11, 2006. Alito sought on Wednesday to ease fears that he would seek to overturn the landmark 1973 ruling that legalized abortion, but Democrats said they were not convinced. REUTERS/Jim Young 62 U.S. Supreme Court nominee Samuel Alito speaks during the third day of his senate confirmation hearings on Capitol Hill in Washington January 11, 2006. Alito sought on Wednesday to ease fears that he would seek to overturn the landmark 1973 ruling that legalized abortion, but Democrats said they were not convinced. REUTERS/Jonathan Ernst 63 Supreme Court nominee Samuel Alito speaks during the third day of his senate confirmation hearings on Capitol Hill in Washington January 11, 2006. Alito sought on Wednesday to ease fears that he would seek to overturn the landmark 1973 ruling that legalized abortion, but Democrats said they were not convinced. REUTERS/Jim Young 64 Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Arlen Specter (L)(R-PA) confers with ranking democrat Patrick Leahy (D-VT) on the third day of the Senate confirmation hearings for Supreme Court nominee Samuel Alito on Capitol Hill in Washington January 11, 2006. Alito sought on Wednesday to ease fears that he would seek to overturn the landmark 1973 ruling that legalized abortion, but Democrats said they were not convinced. REUTERS/Jim Young 65 U.S. Senator Joseph Biden (D-DE) asks a question of Judge Samuel Alito (foreground) on the third day of Alito's Senate Judiciary Committee confirmation hearing for the U.S. Supreme Court on Capitol Hill in Washington January 11, 2006. Alito sought on Wednesday to ease fears that he would seek to overturn the landmark 1973 ruling that legalized abortion, but Democrats said they were not convinced. REUTERS/Jonathan Ernst 66 Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Arlen Specter (R-PA) (L) confers with ranking Democratic party leader Patrick Leahy (D-VT) during the third day of their committee's hearing on the confirmation of judge Samuel Alito to the Supreme Court on Capitol Hill in Washington January 11, 2006. Alito sought on Wednesday to ease fears that he would seek to overturn the landmark 1973 ruling that legalized abortion, but Democrats said they were not convinced. REUTERS/Jason Reed 67 Judge Samuel Alito (L) gets up for a break from his Senate Judiciary Committee confirmation hearing for the U.S. Supreme Court on Capitol Hill in Washington January 11, 2006. Alito sought on Wednesday to ease fears that he would seek to overturn the landmark 1973 ruling that legalized abortion, but Democrats said they were not convinced. REUTERS/Jason Reed 68 Judge Samuel Alito (C) speaks on the third day of his Senate Judiciary Committee confirmation hearing for the U.S. Supreme Court on Capitol Hill in Washington January 11, 2006. Alito sought on Wednesday to ease fears that he would seek to overturn the landmark 1973 ruling that legalized abortion, but Democrats said they were not convinced. REUTERS/Jason Reed 69 U.S. Senator Ted Kennedy (D-MA) (L) confers with fellow democrat Charles Schumer (D-NY) during the third day of Senate Judiciary Committee's hearing on the confirmation of judge Samuel Alito to the Supreme Court on Capitol Hill in Washington January 11, 2006. Alito sought on Wednesday to ease fears that he would seek to overturn the landmark 1973 ruling that legalized abortion, but Democrats said they were not convinced. REUTERS/Jason Reed 70 U.S. Supreme Court nominee Samuel Alito smiles during the third day of his Senate confirmation hearing on Capitol Hill in Washington January 11, 2006. A top Senate Democrat told U.S. Supreme Court nominee Alito on Wednesday that he remained concerned that Alito could be the deciding vote to reverse the 1973 decision that legalized abortion. REUTERS/Joshua Roberts 71 Democratic Senators (from L to R) Pat Leahy (D-VT), Ted Kennedy (D-MA), Charles Schumer (D-NY) and Joe Biden (D-DE) confer during the Supreme Court nomination hearing of Samuel Alito on Capitol Hill in Washington January 11, 2006. A top Senate Democrat told U.S. Supreme Court nominee Alito on Wednesday that he remained concerned that Alito could be the deciding vote to reverse the 1973 decision that legalized abortion. REUTERS/Joshua Roberts 72 U.S. Supreme Court nominee Samuel Alito returns to his seat after a break in the third day of his Senate confirmation hearing on Capitol Hill in Washington January 11, 2006. A top Senate Democrat told U.S. Supreme Court nominee Samuel Alito on Wednesday that he remained concerned that Alito could be the deciding vote to reverse the 1973 decision that legalized abortion. REUTERS/Jason Reed 73 A pro-Alito sign hangs near a Capitol Hill office building where the Supreme Court nomination hearing of Samuel Alito is taking place in Washington January 11, 2006. A top Senate Democrat told U.S. Supreme Court nominee Samuel Alito on Wednesday that he remained concerned that Alito could be the deciding vote to reverse the 1973 decision that legalized abortion. REUTERS/Jim Young 74 Supreme Court nominee Samuel Alito responds to a question during the third day of his Senate confirmation hearing on Capitol Hill, January 11, 2006. REUTERS/Jason Reed 75 Democratic Senators Ted Kennedy (D-MA) (L) and Joe Biden (D-DE) confer during the Supreme Court nomination hearing of Samuel Alito on Capitol Hill in Washington, January 11, 2006. A top Senate Democrat told U.S. Supreme Court nominee Alito on Wednesday that he remained concerned that Alito could be the deciding vote to reverse the 1973 decision that legalized abortion. REUTERS/Jason Reed 76 U.S. Supreme Court nominee Samuel Alito listens during the third day of his Senate confirmation hearing on Capitol Hill in Washington January 11, 2006. A top Senate Democrat told Alito on Wednesday that he remained concerned that Alito could be the deciding vote to reverse the 1973 decision that legalized abortion. REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque 77 Senator Ted Kennedy (D-MA) points to Supreme Court nominee Samuel Alito as ranking committee Democrat Pat Leahy (L) looks on during the Supreme Court nomination hearing of Alito on Capitol Hill in Washington January 11, 2006. A top Senate Democrat told Alito on Wednesday that he remained concerned that Alito could be the deciding vote to reverse the 1973 decision that legalized abortion. At right is committee ranking Democrat Pat Leahy. REUTERS/Joshua Roberts 78 Chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee Arlen Specter (R-PA) speaks during the Senate confirmation hearing of Supreme Court nominee Samuel Alito on Capitol Hill in Washington January 11, 2006. At right is committee ranking Democrat Pat Leahy. A top Senate Democrat told U.S. Supreme Court nominee Samuel Alito on Wednesday that he remained concerned that Alito could be the deciding vote to reverse the 1973 decision that legalized abortion. REUTERS/Jason Reed 79 U.S. Supreme Court nominee Samuel Alito responds to a question during the third day of his Senate confirmation hearing on Capitol Hill in Washington January 11, 2006. A top Senate Democrat told U.S. Supreme Court nominee Samuel Alito on Wednesday that he remained concerned that Alito could be the deciding vote to reverse the 1973 decision that legalized abortion. REUTERS/Jason Reed 80 U.S. Supreme Court nominee Samuel Alito responds to a question during the third day of his Senate confirmation hearing on Capitol Hill in Washington January 11, 2006. A top Senate Democrat told U.S. Supreme Court nominee Samuel Alito on Wednesday that he remained concerned that Alito could be the deciding vote to reverse the 1973 decision that legalized abortion. REUTERS/Jason Reed 81 An aide holds a placard behind Sen. Tom Coburn (R-OK) claiming to show that Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) had supported the repeal of Roe v. Wade during the nomination hearing of U.S. Supreme Court nominee Samuel Alito on Capitol Hill in Washington January 11, 2006. A top Senate Democrat told U.S. Supreme Court nominee Samuel Alito on Wednesday that he remained concerned that Alito could be the deciding vote to reverse the 1973 decision that legalized abortion. REUTERS/Jason Reed 82 U.S. Supreme Court nominee Samuel Alito listens to a question during the third day of his Senate confirmation hearing on Capitol Hill in Washington January 11, 2006. A top Senate Democrat told U.S. Supreme Court nominee Alito on Wednesday that he remained concerned that Alito could be the deciding vote to reverse the 1973 decision that legalized abortion. REUTERS/Jason Reed 83 Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Arlen Specter (R) (R-PA) and Senator Orrin Hatch (R-UT) in front of a chart of court cases relating to the Roe V Wade abortion case on the second day of Judge Samuel Alito's confirmation hearings on Capitol Hil, January 10, 2006. (Kevin Lamarque/Reuters) 84 Protesters in Delhi decrying the selective abortion of female foestuses. Indian experts have called a study which said that some 10 million female foetuses may have been aborted in the country in the past 20 years sensationalist and inaccurate(AFP/File/Raveendran ) 85 U.S. Supreme Court justice nominee Samuel Alito (C) departs the second day of his confirmation hearings on Capitol Hill in Washington January 10, 2006. Alito told Congress on Tuesday that no president was above the law when pressed on Bush administration policies on torturing prisoners and domestic spying. Alito, who opposed abortion as a Reagan administration official two decades ago, also testified at his Senate confirmation hearing that the Constitution protects the right to privacy, a key underpinning of the 1973 Supreme Court decision that legalized abortion. REUTERS/Jonathan Ernst 86 Ranking Democratic Member Sen. Patrick Leahy (D-VT) (R) leans in to talk to Sen. Charles Schumer (D-NY) during the Senate judiciary committee confirmation hearings for Supreme Court nominee Samuel Alito on Capitol Hill in Washington, January 10, 2006. Alito, who voiced opposition to abortion as a Reagan administration lawyer two decades ago, testified on Tuesday the Constitution protects the right to privacy, a key underpinning of the 1973 Supreme Court ruling that legalized abortion. REUTERS/Jim Young 87 U.S. Supreme Court nominee Samuel Alito answers questions on the second day of his Senate judiciary committee confirmation hearings on Capitol Hill in Washington January 10, 2006. Alito, who voiced opposition to abortion as a Reagan administration lawyer two decades ago, testified on Tuesday the Constitution protects the right to privacy, a key underpinning of the 1973 Supreme Court ruling that legalized abortion. REUTERS/Joshua Roberts 88 U.S. Supreme Court nominee Samuel Alito laughs on the second day of his Senate judiciary committee confirmation hearings on Capitol Hill in Washington January 10, 2006. Alito, who voiced opposition to abortion as a Reagan administration lawyer two decades ago, testified on Tuesday the Constitution protects the right to privacy, a key underpinning of the 1973 Supreme Court ruling that legalized abortion. REUTERS/Jonathan Ernst 89 Sen. Charles Schumer (D-NY) holds up copy of U.S. Constitution during the Senate judiciary committee confirmation hearings for Supreme Court nominee Samuel Alito on Capitol Hill in Washington January 10, 2006. Alito, who voiced opposition to abortion as a Reagan administration lawyer two decades ago, testified on Tuesday the Constitution protects the right to privacy, a key underpinning of the 1973 Supreme Court ruling that legalized abortion. REUTERS/Jim Young 90 Supreme Court nominee Samuel Alito (front) sits across from Sen. Charles Schumer (D-NY) during Alito's Senate judiciary committee confirmation hearings on Capitol Hill in Washington January 10, 2006. Alito, who voiced opposition to abortion as a Reagan administration lawyer two decades ago, testified on Tuesday the Constitution protects the right to privacy, a key underpinning of the 1973 Supreme Court ruling that legalized abortion. REUTERS/Jim Young 91 Sen. Charles Schumer holds up copy of U.S. Constitution during the Senate judiciary committee confirmation hearings for Supreme Court nominee Samuel Alito on Capitol Hill in Washington January 10, 2006. Alito, who voiced opposition to abortion as a Reagan administration lawyer two decades ago, testified on Tuesday the Constitution protects the right to privacy, a key underpinning of the 1973 Supreme Court ruling that legalized abortion. REUTERS/Jim Young 92 U.S. Supreme Court nominee Samuel Alito speaks on the second day of his Senate judiciary committee confirmation hearings on Capitol Hill in Washington January 10, 2006. Alito, who voiced opposition to abortion as a Reagan administration lawyer two decades ago, testified on Tuesday the Constitution protects the right to privacy, a key underpinning of the 1973 Supreme Court ruling that legalized abortion. REUTERS/Joshua Roberts 93 Supreme Court nominee Samuel Alito speaks on the second day of his Senate judiciary committee confirmation hearings on Capitol Hill in Washington January 10, 2006. Alito, who voiced opposition to abortion as a Reagan administration lawyer two decades ago, testified on Tuesday the Constitution protects the right to privacy, a key underpinning of the 1973 Supreme Court ruling that legalized abortion. REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque 94 U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Arlen Specter (R-PA) (L) and ranking Democrat leader Patrick Leahy (D-VT) confer on the second day of judge Samuel Alito's Senate judiciary committee confirmation hearings on Capitol Hill in Washington January 10, 2006. Alito, who voiced opposition to abortion as a Reagan administration lawyer two decades ago, testified on Tuesday the Constitution protects the right to privacy, a key underpinning of the 1973 Supreme Court ruling that legalized abortion. REUTERS/Joshua Roberts 95 U.S. Supreme Court nominee Samuel Alito answers questions on the second day of his Senate judiciary committee confirmation hearings on Capitol Hill in Washington January 10, 2006. Alito, who voiced opposition to abortion as a Reagan administration lawyer two decades ago, testified on Tuesday the Constitution protects the right to privacy, a key underpinning of the 1973 Supreme Court ruling that legalized abortion. REUTERS/Joshua Roberts 96 U.S. senator Joseph Biden (D-DE) asks a question to Supreme Court nominee Samuel Alito (not in picture) as senator Ted Kennedy (D-MA) looks on during the second day of Alito's Senate judiciary committee confirmation hearings on Capitol Hill in Washington January 10, 2006. Alito, who voiced opposition to abortion as a Reagan administration lawyer two decades ago, testified on Tuesday the Constitution protects the right to privacy, a key underpinning of the 1973 Supreme Court ruling that legalized abortion. REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque 97 Photographers train their lenses on U.S. senator Joseph Biden (D-DE) (L Top) as he asks a question to Supreme Court nominee Samuel Alito on the second day of Alito's Senate judiciary committee confirmation hearings on Capitol Hill in Washington January 10, 2006. Alito, who voiced opposition to abortion as a Reagan administration lawyer two decades ago, testified on Tuesday the Constitution protects the right to privacy, a key underpinning of the 1973 Supreme Court ruling that legalized abortion. REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque 98 U.S. Supreme Court nominee Samuel Alito (seated at red table L) answers questions on the second day of his Senate judiciary committee confirmation hearings on Capitol Hill in Washington January 10, 2006. Alito, who voiced opposition to abortion as a Reagan administration lawyer two decades ago, testified on Tuesday the Constitution protects the right to privacy, a key underpinning of the 1973 Supreme Court ruling that legalized abortion. REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque 99 Martha Alito (top) listens to the testimony of her husband, U.S. Supreme Court nominee Samuel Alito, during the second day of his confirmation hearings on Capitol Hill in Washington January 10, 2006. Alito, who voiced opposition to abortion as a Reagan administration lawyer two decades ago, testified on Tuesday the Constitution protects the right to privacy, a key underpinning of the 1973 Supreme Court ruling that legalized abortion. REUTERS/Jonathan Ernst 100 U.S. Senator Pat Leahy (D-VT) (L) confers with Senator Ted Kennedy (D-MA) during the second day of confirmation hearings for Supreme Court nominee Samuel Alito on Capitol Hill in Washington January 10, 2006. Alito, who voiced opposition to abortion as a Reagan administration lawyer two decades ago, testified on Tuesday the Constitution protects the right to privacy, a key underpinning of the 1973 Supreme Court ruling that legalized abortion. REUTERS/Jonathan Ernst 101 Rosemary Alito (top) listens to the testimony of her husband, U.S. Supreme Court nominee Samuel Alito, during the second day of his confirmation hearings on Capitol Hill in Washington January 10, 2006. Alito, who voiced opposition to abortion as a Reagan administration lawyer two decades ago, testified on Tuesday the Constitution protects the right to privacy, a key underpinning of the 1973 Supreme Court ruling that legalized abortion. REUTERS/Jonathan Ernst 102 U.S. Senator Joseph Biden (D-DE) speaks during the second day of confirmation hearings for Supreme Court nominee Samuel Alito on Capitol Hill in Washington January 10, 2006. Alito, who voiced opposition to abortion as a Reagan administration lawyer two decades ago, testified on Tuesday the Constitution protects the right to privacy, a key underpinning of the 1973 Supreme Court ruling that legalized abortion. REUTERS/Jonathan Ernst 103 U.S. Senator Ted Kennedy (D-MA) (L) listens as Senator Joseph Biden (D-DE) asks a question during the second day of confirmation hearings for Supreme Court nominee Samuel Alito on Capitol Hill in Washington January 10, 2006. Alito, who voiced opposition to abortion as a Reagan administration lawyer two decades ago, testified on Tuesday the Constitution protects the right to privacy, a key underpinning of the 1973 Supreme Court ruling that legalized abortion. REUTERS/Jonathan Ernst 104 U.S. Supreme Court nominee Samuel Alito (R) smiles during testimony at the second day of his confirmation hearings on Capitol Hill in Washington January 10, 2006. Alito, who voiced opposition to abortion as a Reagan administration lawyer two decades ago, testified on Tuesday the Constitution protects the right to privacy, a key underpinning of the 1973 Supreme Court ruling that legalized abortion. REUTERS/Jonathan Ernst 105 U.S. Supreme Court nominee Samuel Alito answers questions on the second day of his Senate judiciary committee confirmation hearings on Capitol Hill in Washington January 10, 2006. Alito, who voiced opposition to abortion as a Reagan administration lawyer two decades ago, testified on Tuesday the Constitution protects the right to privacy, a key underpinning of the 1973 Supreme Court ruling that legalized abortion. REUTERS/Joshua Roberts 106 U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Arlen Specter (R) (R-PA) and Senator Orrin Hatch (R-UT) are pictured in front of a chart of court cases relating to the Roe V Wade abortion case on the second day of Judge Samuel Alito's Senate judiciary committee confirmation hearings on Capitol Hill in Washington January 10, 2006. Alito, who voiced opposition to abortion as a Reagan administration lawyer two decades ago, testified on Tuesday the Constitution protects the right to privacy, a key underpinning of the 1973 Supreme Court ruling that legalized abortion. REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque 107 U.S. Supreme Court nominee Samuel Alito prepares to answer questions on the second day of his Senate judiciary committee confirmation hearings on Capitol Hill in Washington January 10, 2006. Alito, who voiced opposition to abortion as a Reagan administration lawyer two decades ago, testified on Tuesday the Constitution protects the right to privacy, a key underpinning of the 1973 Supreme Court ruling that legalized abortion. REUTERS/Jason Reed 108 U.S. Supreme Court nominee Samuel Alito answers questions on the second day of his Senate judiciary committee confirmation hearings on Capitol Hill in Washington January 10, 2006. Alito, who voiced opposition to abortion as a Reagan administration lawyer two decades ago, testified on Tuesday the Constitution protects the right to privacy, a key underpinning of the 1973 Supreme Court ruling that legalized abortion. REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque 109 U.S. Supreme Court nominee Samuel Alito (R) meets with Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Arlen Specter (R-PA) before questioning on the second day of Alito's Senate judiciary committee confirmation hearings on Capitol Hill in Washington January 10, 2006. Alito, who voiced opposition to abortion as a Reagan administration lawyer two decades ago, testified on Tuesday the Constitution protects the right to privacy, a key underpinning of the 1973 Supreme Court ruling that legalized abortion. REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque 110 U.S. Supreme Court nominee Samuel Alito looks on during the second day of his Senate judiciary committee confirmation hearings on Capitol Hill in Washington January 10, 2006. Alito, who voiced opposition to abortion as a Reagan administration lawyer two decades ago, testified on Tuesday the Constitution protects the right to privacy, a key underpinning of the 1973 Supreme Court ruling that legalized abortion. REUTERS/Jason Reed 111 Senator Ted Kennedy (D-MA) speaks to U.S. Supreme Court nominee Samuel Alito (not pictued) on the second day of Alito's Senate judiciary committee confirmation hearings on Capitol Hill in Washington January 10, 2006. Alito, who voiced opposition to abortion as a Reagan administration lawyer two decades ago, testified on Tuesday the Constitution protects the right to privacy, a key underpinning of the 1973 Supreme Court ruling that legalized abortion. REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque 112 Senator Ted Kennedy (D-MA) speaks to U.S. Supreme Court nominee Samuel Alito (not pictued) on the second day of Alito's Senate judiciary committee confirmation hearings on Capitol Hill in Washington January 10, 2006. Alito, who voiced opposition to abortion as a Reagan administration lawyer two decades ago, testified on Tuesday the Constitution protects the right to privacy, a key underpinning of the 1973 Supreme Court ruling that legalized abortion. REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque 113 Senator Ted Kennedy (D-MA) speaks to U.S. Supreme Court nominee Samuel Alito (foreground) on the second day of Alito's Senate judiciary committee confirmation hearings on Capitol Hill in Washington January 10, 2006. Alito, who voiced opposition to abortion as a Reagan administration lawyer two decades ago, testified on Tuesday the Constitution protects the right to privacy, a key underpinning of the 1973 Supreme Court ruling that legalized abortion. REUTERS/Jonathan Ernst 114 A guide to the U.S. constitution sits on the desk of U.S. Senator Tom Coburn (R-OK) as he operates a personal communication device during the Senate judiciary committee confirmation hearings for judge Samuel Alito on Capitol Hill in Washington January 10, 2006. Alito, who voiced opposition to abortion as a Reagan administration lawyer two decades ago, testified on Tuesday the Constitution protects the right to privacy, a key underpinning of the 1973 Supreme Court ruling that legalized abortion. REUTERS/Jonathan Ernst 115 U.S. Supreme Court nominee Samuel Alito (L, at table) listens to a question from Senate Judiciary Chairman Arlen Specter (R) on the second day of Alito's Senate judiciary committee confirmation hearings on Capitol Hill in Washington, January 10, 2006. Alito, who voiced opposition to abortion as a Reagan administration lawyer two decades ago, testified on Tuesday the Constitution protects the right to privacy, a key underpinning of the 1973 Supreme Court ruling that legalized abortion. REUTERS/Jason Reed 116 U.S. Supreme Court nominee Samuel Alito (C, facing camera) answers questions on the second day of his Senate judiciary committee confirmation hearings on Capitol Hill in Washington, January 10, 2006. Alito, who voiced opposition to abortion as a Reagan administration lawyer two decades ago, testified on Tuesday the Constitution protects the right to privacy, a key underpinning of the 1973 Supreme Court ruling that legalized abortion. REUTERS/Jason Reed 117 U.S. Supreme Court nominee Samuel Alito (C) speaks on the second day of his Senate judiciary committee confirmation hearings on Capitol Hill in Washington, January 10, 2006. Alito, who voiced opposition to abortion as a Reagan administration lawyer two decades ago, testified on Tuesday the Constitution protects the right to privacy, a key underpinning of the 1973 Supreme Court ruling that legalized abortion. REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque 118 U.S. Supreme Court nominee Samuel Alito is pictured on the second day of his Senate judiciary committee confirmation hearings on Capitol Hill in Washington January 10, 2006. Alito, who voiced opposition to abortion as a Reagan administration lawyer two decades ago, testified on Tuesday the Constitution protects the right to privacy, a key underpinning of the 1973 Supreme Court ruling that legalized abortion. REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque 119 U.S. Supreme Court nominee Samuel Alito (C, at table) answers questions on the second day of his Senate judiciary committee confirmation hearings on Capitol Hill in Washington January 10, 2006. Alito, who voiced opposition to abortion as a Reagan administration lawyer two decades ago, testified on Tuesday the Constitution protects the right to privacy, a key underpinning of the 1973 Supreme Court ruling that legalized abortion. REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque 120 U.S. Supreme Court nominee Samuel Alito answers questions on the second day of his Senate judiciary committee confirmation hearings on Capitol Hill in Washington January 10, 2006. Alito, who voiced opposition to abortion as a Reagan administration lawyer two decades ago, testified on Tuesday the Constitution protects the right to privacy, a key underpinning of the 1973 Supreme Court ruling that legalized abortion. REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque 121 U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee members (L-R) Chairman Arlen Specter (R-PA), Senator Charles Schumer (D-NY) and ranking Democrat Patrick Leahy (D-VT) gather at the start of the second day of Judge Samuel Alito's Senate judiciary committee confirmation hearings on Capitol Hill in Washington January 10, 2006. Alito, who voiced opposition to abortion as a Reagan administration lawyer two decades ago, testified on Tuesday the Constitution protects the right to privacy, a key underpinning of the 1973 Supreme Court ruling that legalized abortion. REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque 122 A split TV screen shows U.S. Senator Ted Kennedy (L)(D-MA) asking questions of U.S. Supreme Court nominee Samuel Alito (R) on the second day of Alito's Senate judiciary committee confirmation hearings on Capitol Hill in Washington January 10, 2006. Alito, who voiced opposition to abortion as a Reagan administration lawyer two decades ago, testified on Tuesday the Constitution protects the right to privacy, a key underpinning of the 1973 Supreme Court ruling that legalized abortion. REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque 123 U.S. Supreme Court nominee Samuel Alito (R) is greeted by senator Charles Schumer (L) (D-NY), as Senate Judiciary Chairman Arlen Specter (C) (R-PA) looks on, during the second day of Alito's Senate judiciary committee confirmation hearings on Capitol Hill in Washington January 10, 2006. Alito, who voiced opposition to abortion as a Reagan administration lawyer two decades ago, testified on Tuesday the Constitution protects the right to privacy, a key underpinning of the 1973 Supreme Court ruling that legalized abortion. REUTERS/Jason Reed 124 Ranking Senate Judiciary Committee Democrat Patrick Leahy (D-VT) (Top) asks a question of U.S. Supreme Court nominee Samuel Alito (Bottom) on the second day of Alito's Senate judiciary committee confirmation hearings on Capitol Hill in Washington, January 10, 2006. Alito, who voiced opposition to abortion as a Reagan administration lawyer two decades ago, testified on Tuesday the Constitution protects the right to privacy, a key underpinning of the 1973 Supreme Court ruling that legalized abortion. REUTERS/Jonathan Ernst 125 U.S. Supreme Court nominee Samuel Alito (C) listens to a question from ranking Democrat Senator Patrick Leahy (D-VT) (R) as Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Arlen Specter (R-PA) watches during the second day of Alito's Senate judiciary committee confirmation hearings on Capitol Hill in Washington, January 10, 2006. Alito, who voiced opposition to abortion as a Reagan administration lawyer two decades ago, testified on Tuesday the Constitution protects the right to privacy, a key underpinning of the 1973 Supreme Court ruling that legalized abortion. REUTERS/Jonathan Ernst 126 U.S. Supreme Court nominee Samuel Alito (L) takes his seat as he prepares to answer questions on the second day of his Senate judiciary committee confirmation hearings on Capitol Hill in Washington January 10, 2006. Alito, who voiced opposition to abortion as a Reagan administration lawyer two decades ago, testified on Tuesday the Constitution protects the right to privacy, a key underpinning of the 1973 Supreme Court ruling that legalized abortion. REUTERS/Jason Reed 127 U.S. Supreme Court nominee Samuel Alito's wife Martha (2nd R) laughs as her husband (L) prepares to answer questions on the second day of his Senate judiciary committee confirmation hearings on Capitol Hill in Washington January 10, 2006. Alito, who voiced opposition to abortion as a Reagan administration lawyer two decades ago, testified on Tuesday the Constitution protects the right to privacy, a key underpinning of the 1973 Supreme Court ruling that legalized abortion. REUTERS/Jonathan Ernst 128 U.S. Supreme Court nominee Samuel Alito arrives for the second day of his confirmation hearings in Washington January 10, 2006. Alito, who voiced opposition to abortion as a Reagan administration lawyer two decades ago, testified on Tuesday the Constitution protects the right to privacy, a key underpinning of the 1973 Supreme Court ruling that legalized abortion. REUTERS/Jonathan Ernst 129 U.S. Supreme Court nominee Samuel Alito prepares to answer questions on the second day of his Senate judiciary committee confirmation hearings on Capitol Hill in Washington January 10, 2006. Alito, who voiced opposition to abortion as a Reagan administration lawyer two decades ago, testified on Tuesday the Constitution protects the right to privacy, a key underpinning of the 1973 Supreme Court ruling that legalized abortion. REUTERS/Jason Reed 130 U.S. Supreme Court nominee Samuel Alito is seen on television as he answers questions on the second day of his Senate judiciary committee confirmation hearings on Capitol Hill in Washington January 10, 2006. Alito, who voiced opposition to abortion as a Reagan administration lawyer two decades ago, testified on Tuesday the Constitution protects the right to privacy, a key underpinning of the 1973 Supreme Court ruling that legalized abortion. REUTERS/Joshua Roberts 131 U.S. Supreme Court nominee Samuel Alito (2nd R) watches as his wife Martha (L) greets Joan Specter (R), wife of Senate Judiciary Committee chairman Arlen Specter (R-PA) (2nd L) on the second day of his Senate judiciary committee confirmation hearings on Capitol Hill in Washington January 10, 2006. Alito, who voiced opposition to abortion as a Reagan administration lawyer two decades ago, testified on Tuesday the Constitution protects the right to privacy, a key underpinning of the 1973 Supreme Court ruling that legalized abortion. REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque 132 U.S. Supreme Court nominee Samuel Alito attends the second day of his Senate judiciary committee confirmation hearings on Capitol Hill in Washington January 10, 2006. Alito, who voiced opposition to abortion as a Reagan administration lawyer two decades ago, testified on Tuesday the Constitution protects the right to privacy, a key underpinning of the 1973 Supreme Court ruling that legalized abortion. REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque 133 U.S. Supreme Court nominee Samuel Alito prepares to take questions on the second day of his Senate judiciary committee confirmation hearings on Capitol Hill in Washington January 10, 2006. Alito, who voiced opposition to abortion as a Reagan administration lawyer two decades ago, testified on Tuesday the Constitution protects the right to privacy, a key underpinning of the 1973 Supreme Court ruling that legalized abortion. REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque 134 U.S. Supreme Court nominee Samuel Alito answers questions on the second day of his Senate judiciary committee confirmation hearings on Capitol Hill in Washington January 10, 2006. Alito, who voiced opposition to abortion as a Reagan administration lawyer two decades ago, testified on Tuesday the Constitution protects the right to privacy, a key underpinning of the 1973 Supreme Court ruling that legalized abortion. REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque 135 U.S. Supreme Court nominee Samuel Alito answers questions on the second day of his Senate judiciary committee confirmation hearings on Capitol Hill in Washington, January 10, 2006. Alito, who voiced opposition to abortion as a Reagan administration lawyer two decades ago, testified on Tuesday the Constitution protects the right to privacy, a key underpinning of the 1973 Supreme Court ruling that legalized abortion. REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque 136 U.S. Supreme Court nominee Samuel Alito answers questions on the second day of his Senate judiciary committee confirmation hearings on Capitol Hill in Washington January 10, 2006. Alito, who voiced opposition to abortion as a Reagan administration lawyer two decades ago, testified on Tuesday the Constitution protects the right to privacy, a key underpinning of the 1973 Supreme Court ruling that legalized abortion. REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque 137 Supporters greet U.S. Supreme Court justice nominee Samuel Alito (R) as he arrives for the second day of his confirmation hearings in Washington, January 10, 2006. Alito, facing tough questions about abortion, civil rights and the Bush administration's domestic spying program, testified on Monday that if confirmed he would administer justice equally to all Americans. REUTERS/Jonathan Ernst 138 U.S. Supreme Court nominee Samuel Alito takes an oath at his Senate confirmation hearing on Capitol Hill in Washington January 9, 2006. Alito, facing tough criticism and questions about his opposition to abortion and record on civil rights, testified on Monday that if confirmed by the Senate he would administer justice equally to all. REUTERS/Jason Reed 139 Supreme Court Justice nominee Samuel Alito (foreground) is sworn in before the Senate Judiciary Committee in Washington January 9, 2006. The U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee opened its hearing on Alito with lawmakers praising his legal credentials yet many voicing concerns about his opposition to abortion. REUTERS/Jason Reed 140 Supreme Court Justice nominee Samuel Alito delivers his opening statement before the Senate Judiciary Committee on Capitol Hill in Washington January 9, 2006. The U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee opened its hearing on Monday on Supreme Court nominee Samuel Alito with lawmakers praising his legal credentials yet many voicing concern about his opposition to abortion, certain to be a key issue. REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque 141 Supreme Court Justice nominee Samuel Alito is sworn in before the Senate Judiciary Committee in Washington January 9, 2006. The U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee opened its hearing on Alito with lawmakers praising his legal credentials yet many voicing concerns about his opposition to abortion. REUTERS/JASON REED 142 U.S. Supreme Court nominee Samuel Alito (R) speaks as his wife Martha looks on during remarks on the first day of his Senate confirmation hearing on Capitol Hill in Washington January 9, 2006. The U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee opened its hearing on Monday on Alito with lawmakers praising his legal credentials yet many voicing concern about his opposition to abortion, certain to be a key issue. REUTERS/Jason Reed 143 Supreme Court Justice nominee Samuel Alito is sworn in before the Senate Judiciary Committee in Washington January 9, 2006. The U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee opened its hearing on Alito with lawmakers praising his legal credentials yet many voicing concerns about his opposition to abortion. REUTERS/JASON REED 144 Supreme Court Justice nominee Samuel Alito is sworn in before the Senate Judiciary Committee in Washington January 9, 2006. The U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee opened its hearing on Alito with lawmakers praising his legal credentials yet many voicing concerns about his opposition to abortion. REUTERS/JASON REED 145 Supreme Court Justice nominee Samuel Alito is sworn in before the Senate Judiciary Committee by Chairman Arlen Specter (R-PA) in Washington January 9, 2006. The U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee opened its hearing on Alito with lawmakers praising his legal credentials yet many voicing concerns about his opposition to abortion. REUTERS/JASON REED 146 Supreme Court Justice nominee Samuel Alito is sworn in before the Senate Judiciary Committee in Washington January 9, 2006. The U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee opened its hearing on Alito with lawmakers praising his legal credentials yet many voicing concerns about his opposition to abortion. REUTERS/Jason Reed 147 Supreme Court Justice nominee Samuel Alito is sworn in before the Senate Judiciary Committee as his wife Martha (R) and sister Rosemary Alito (2nd R) watch in Washington January 9, 2006. The U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee opened its hearing on Alito with lawmakers praising his legal credentials yet many voicing concerns about his opposition to abortion. REUTERS/Joshua Roberts 148 Supreme Court Justice nominee Samuel Alito (L) is sworn in before the Senate Judiciary Committee by Chairman Arlen Specter (R-PA) in Washington January 9, 2006. The U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee opened its hearing on Supreme Court nominee Alito with lawmakers praising his legal credentials yet many voicing concerns about his opposition to abortion. REUTERS/Jonathan Ernst 149 President Bush walks to Marine One, Monday, Jan. 9, 2006, for a helicopter trip to Maryland to speak about the education program 'No Child Left Behind'. Confirmation hearings begin today for Bush's Supreme Court nominee Samuel A. Alito on Capitol Hill. Alito can expect a tough grilling, with pointed questions from the Senate Judiciary Committee on such issues as abortion and presidential power. (AP Photo/Ron Edmonds) 150 Senator Charles Schumer (D-NY) whispers during opening remarks at the confirmation hearing of Supreme Court Justice nominee Samuel Alito in Washington January 9, 2006. The U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee opened its hearing on Supreme Court nominee Alito with lawmakers praising his legal credentials yet many voicing concerns about his opposition to abortion. REUTERS/Jonathan Ernst 151 Senator Joseph Biden (D-DE) makes a point during his opening remarks at the confirmation hearing of Supreme Court Justice nominee Samuel Alito in Washington January 9, 2006. The U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee opened its hearing on Supreme Court nominee Alito with lawmakers praising his legal credentials yet many voicing concerns about his opposition to abortion. REUTERS/Jonathan Ernst 152 Supreme Court Justice nominee Samuel Alito is photographed during his hearing with the Senate Judiciary Committee in Washington January 9, 2006. The U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee opened its hearing on Alito with lawmakers praising his legal credentials yet many voicing concerns about his opposition to abortion. REUTERS/Jonathan Ernst 153 Supreme Court Justice nominee Samuel Alito (L) walks to his confirmation hearing with Senators Patrick Leahy (D-VT)(C) and Arlen Specter (R-PA) in Washington January 9, 2006. The U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee opened its hearing on Alito with lawmakers praising his legal credentials yet many voicing concerns about his opposition to abortion. REUTERS/Jonathan Ernst 154 U.S. Supreme Court nominee Samuel Alito takes his seat before his hearing with the Senate Judiciary Committee in Washington January 9, 2006. The U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee opened its hearing on Alito with lawmakers praising his legal credentials yet many voicing concerns about his opposition to abortion. REUTERS/Jonathan Ernst 155 Chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee Arlen Specter (L)(R-PA) listens as Ranking Democratic Member Patrick Leahy (D-VT) gives his opening statement during the confirmation hearing for Supreme Court nominee Samuel Alito in Washington January 9, 2006. The U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee opened its hearing on Judge Alito with lawmakers praising his legal credentials yet many voicing concerns about his opposition to abortion. REUTERS/Jonathan Ernst 156 Supreme Court Justice nominee Samuel Alito (2nd L) is watched by his wife Martha (R), sister Rosemary Alito (2nd R) and former Indiana Senator Dan Coats during his confirmation hearing in Washington January 9, 2006. The U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee opened its hearing on Alito with lawmakers praising his legal credentials yet many voicing concerns about his opposition to abortion. REUTERS/Jonathan Ernst 157 Supreme Court Justice nominee Samuel Alito (L) holds the hand of his wife Martha (R) as he looks to his son Philip (3rd R) and former Indiana Senator Dan Coats before the start of his confirmation hearing in Washington January 9, 2006. The U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee opened its hearing on Alito with lawmakers praising his legal credentials yet many voicing concerns about his opposition to abortion. REUTERS/Jonathan Ernst 158 Supreme Court Justice nominee Samuel Alito (C) walks to his confirmation hearing with Senators Patrick Leahy (D-VT)(L) and Arlen Specter (R-PA) in Washington January 9, 2006. The U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee opened its hearing on Supreme Court nominee Samuel Alito with lawmakers praising his legal credentials yet many voicing concerns about his opposition to abortion. REUTERS/Jonathan Ernst 159 President Bush and Supreme Court nominee Samuel A. Alito leave the Oval Office after having breakfast, Monday, Jan. 9, 2006, at the White House. Confirmation hearings begin later today and Alito can expect a tough grilling, with pointed questions from the Senate Judiciary Committee on such issues as abortion and presidential power. (AP Photo/Ron Edmonds) 160 Supreme Court Justice nominee Samuel Alito (C) receives a kiss from his wife Martha as Senator Patrick Leahy (D-VT) watches before the start of Alito's confirmation hearing in Washington January 9, 2006. The U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee opened its hearing on Alito with lawmakers praising his legal credentials yet many voicing concerns about his opposition to abortion. REUTERS/Jason Reed 161 President Bush and Supreme Court nominee Samuel A. Alito pose for photographs in front of the Oval Office after having breakfast, Monday, Jan. 9, 2006, at the White House. Confirmation hearings begin Monday and Alito can expect a tough grilling, with pointed questions from the Senate Judiciary Committee on such issues as abortion and presidential power. (AP Photo/Ron Edmonds) 162 President Bush, right, and Supreme Court nominee Samuel A. Alito leave the Oval Office after having breakfast, Monday, Jan. 9, 2006, at the White House. Confirmation hearings begin later Monday and Alito can expect a tough grilling, with pointed questions from the Senate Judiciary Committee on such issues as abortion and presidential power. (AP Photo/Ron Edmonds) 163 Supreme Court nominee Samuel A. Alito walks from the Oval Office after having breakfast, Monday, Jan. 9., 2006, with President Bush at the White House. Confirmation hearings begin later today and Alito can expect a tough grilling, with pointed questions from the Senate Judiciary Committee on such issues as abortion and presidential power. (AP Photo/Ron Edmonds) 164 President Bush, right, and Supreme Court nominee Samuel A. Alito leave the Oval Office after having breakfast, Monday, Jan. 9, 2006, at the White House. Confirmation hearings begin later today and Alito can expect a tough grilling, with pointed questions from the Senate Judiciary Committee on such issues as abortion and presidential power. (AP Photo/Ron Edmonds) 165 President Bush makes comments in the Rose Garden after having breakfast with Supreme Court nominee Samuel A. Alito, left, Monday, Jan. 9, 2006, at the White House. Confirmation hearings begin later today and Alito can expect a tough grilling, with pointed questions from the Senate Judiciary Committee on such issues as abortion and presidential power. (AP Photo/Ron Edmonds) 166 President Bush and Supreme Court Nominee Samuel A. Alito pose for photographs in front of the Oval Office after having breakfast, Monday, Jan. 9, 2006, at the White House. Hearings begin later today and Alito can expect a tough grilling, with pointed questions on such issues as abortion and presidential power. (AP Photo/Ron Edmonds) 167 Religious leaders, including Rev. Jerry Falwell (L, with glasses), applaud during a ceremony at the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center in Washington, November 4, 2003. Falwell said on Sunday that confirming Federal Appeals Court judge Samuel Alito to the U.S. Supreme Court would be the biggest victory for his constituency in three decades. REUTERS/Larry Downing 168 U.S. Supreme Court nominee Judge Samuel Alito attends a meeting on Capitol Hill in Washington in this December 14, 2005 file photo. Alito begins his Senate confirmation hearing on January 9, 2006, facing tough questions on matters from civil liberties and presidential war powers to his own opposition to abortion. REUTERS/Jason Reed/Files 169 Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O'Connor, left, and Supreme Court nominee Samuel Alito are seen here in these 2005 file photos. O'Connor and Alito have starkly different backgrounds and personal styles. Philosophically, they differ too. O'Connor grew up on an isolated ranch in Arizona. Alito is from New Jersey. She's a former politician, known for her social skills and feistiness. Alito, a former prosecutor, is reserved and scholarly. People get their first in-depth look at Alito next week, when the Senate Judiciary Committee takes up his nomination with tough questions about his record on abortion, capital punishment, presidential authority and other issues that put him at odds with O'Connor. (AP Photo/Files) 170 Rev. Rob Schenck, left, president of the National Clergy Council, and Rev. Patrick Mahoney, right, director of the Christian Defense Coalition, both anti-abortion activists in Washington, pray in front of the Senate Hart Office Building on Capitol Hill, site of the upcoming confirmation hearings for Supreme Court nominee Samuel Alito, in Washington, Thursday, Jan. 5, 2006. Earlier, they performed a consecration ceremony by anointing the doors and asking for divine guidance during the confirmation hearings. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite) 171 Rev. Rob Schenck, right, president of the National Clergy Council, and Rev. Patrick Mahoney, left, director of the Christian Defense Coalition, both anti-abortion activists in Washington, kneel in prayer as they perform a consecration ceremony by anointing the doors to the hearing room in the Hart Senate Office Building on Capitol Hill, Thursday, Jan. 5, 2006, in Washington. The hearing room will be the site for the confirmation hearings for Supreme Court nominee Judge Samuel Alito which are scheduled to begin next Monday. They are joined at far left by Grace Nwachukwu, a Pentecostal and officer with the Association of Female Clergy. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite) 172 Rev. Rob Schenck, right, president of the National Clergy Council, and Rev. Patrick Mahoney, left, director of the Christian Defense Coalition, both anti-abortion activists in Washington, try unsuccessfully to enter the main hearing room in the Senate Hart Office Building on Capitol Hill, site of the upcoming confirmation hearings for Supreme Court nominee Samuel Alito, in Washington, Thursday, Jan. 5, 2006. Earlier, they performed a consecration ceremony by anointing the doors and asking for divine guidance during the confirmation hearings. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite) 173 A woman enters the Family Court in Valletta in this May 4, 2004 file photo. Malta, the predominantly Catholic nation of 400,000 people that is squeezed onto a rock in the Mediterranean south of Italy, joined the European Union last year. Abortion is completely illegal in Malta, the only European country where marriage cannot be dissolved by divorce. To match feature Malta-Divorce REUTERS/Darrin Zammit Lupi/Files