WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Gresham Barrett (SC, 03) gave the following statement regarding the Supreme Court ruling today on the partial-birth abortion ban. 

“Among our basic rights of liberty and the pursuit of happiness given to us by our Declaration of Independence, the first of these basic rights is life. In 2003 life won its first battle when the Partial-Birth Abortion Ban was signed into law as the first legal restriction on abortion since the 1973 Supreme Court decision Roe v. Wade,” said Congressman Gresham Barrett, a vocal opponent of abortion and recipient of the ‘True Blue’ award for his consistent support of family values. “Today I applaud the Supreme Court’s 5-4 ruling to uphold that nationwide ban and for protecting innocent lives of the unborn. Partial-birth abortion is not only a horrific procedure but the act strips our culture of the value we grant for each individual life.  I helped lead this fight in the South Carolina House of Representatives, charged up the Hill backing President Bush signing this into Congressional law and now fully support this Supreme Court ruling as I remain staunchly committed to protecting the sanctity of life.”