Washington, D.C. -- Former U.S. Senator Rick Santorum (R-PA), author of the Partial Birth Abortion Ban Act of 2003, issued the following statement regarding the Supreme Court's decision to uphold a ban on partial birth abortions:

"This is a great victory for humanity in this country.  For the first time in over 35 years, the Supreme Court balanced the interests of the two individuals directly involved in an abortion and found for the interest of the innocent child who is asking for the most basic of rights – no, not the right to life, for other procedures will still be available to kill the baby if the mother so chooses. We only asked on behalf of these children that they be extended the right to be treated humanely and with dignity.  Granted this is a very small step, but it is the first step away from a society that looks at the life of an unwanted, unborn child as nothing more than a problem that needs to be disposed of, and the first step toward a society that respects and values all human life, wanted and unwanted, healthy and sick, rich and poor, black, brown and white, able and disabled for what they are – unique gifts from the Almighty to be welcomed and loved."