White House Backs New Abortion Curb

Brief Filed in N.H. Notification Case

By Dana Milbank
Washington Post Staff Writer
Tuesday, August 9, 2005; Page A03

The Bush administration called on the Supreme Court yesterday to uphold new restrictions on abortion, backing a New Hampshire parental-notification law that has no exceptions for pregnant girls whose health is at risk.

The administration's filing adds a new element to this summer's Supreme Court confirmation proceedings of John G. Roberts Jr., because he could be the pivotal vote in the case, which is to be argued late this year and decided next year. If confirmed, Roberts will replace Justice Sandra Day O'Connor, who was co-writer of the 1992 decision requiring that states not impose an "undue burden" on exercising the right to abortion.