WASHINGTON - Congressman Todd Akin (R-MO), released the following statement applauding today's Supreme Court decision to uphold the ban on the "partial-birth abortion" procedure.

"Today is a victory for the Constitution, and the right to life guaranteed therein. The Supreme Court has recognized the right of Congress to ban partial-birth abortion, which is a horrific procedure that takes a life just prior to birth, and deprives an individual the Constitutional right to life. I believe this to be a just and significant victory for those who recognize the God given right to life that all of us share."

In the 5-4 ruling, the Supreme Court upheld the Partial Birth Abortion Ban Act passed by Congress and signed into law by President Bush in 2003. The Court stated that banning the procedure in no way violates the Constitution.