Republicans also control Congress now, and Bush could appoint one or more Supreme Court justices. Any nominee, however, would have to be approved by a Senate divided 50-50 along party lines. First lady Laura Bush broke from her husband's views last week and said she did not think the 1973 Roe v. Wade ruling should be overturned. But that gives little comfort to abortion rights supporters. Abortion opponents are more upbeat than they have been in years.
Abortion opponents think it's just a matter of time before abortion is outlawed again.
McCorvey, meanwhile, dismissed Ashcroft's statement at his Senate confirmation hearing that he would not try to make abortion illegal. But neither side is taking anything for granted. Monday's marches and other events by ortion opponents were being countered with efforts by abortion rights groups to mobilize their forces against Ashcroft with radio ads and Internet campaigns. Americans in general remain split on abortion. But only 20 percent thought it should be legal in all cases and 35 percent said it should be legal in most cases.