Congress approved legislation banning a controversial procedure for ending pregnancies, ensuring a legal showdown that could help define the scope-and limits-of abortion rights in America.
Voting 64-34, the Senate joined the House in passing the measure to prohibit what abortion foes call a \partial birth' procedure and punish doctors who violate the ban with fines and up to two years in prison.
The bill now goes to President Bush who said in a statement, ""This is very important legislation that will end an abhorrent practice and continue to build a culture of life in America.'
Opponents plan to challenge the measure in court and seek an injunction to bar its enforcement.
The procedure, generally performed during a pregnancy's second or third trimester, involves a physician puncturing a fetus' skull after it is partially delivered.
Beginning Wednesday, Oct. 22 around 7 a.m., crews will close the southbound lane of Frances Street between University Avenue and Dayton Street, the Wisconsin Department of Transportation announced Tuesday.
While the southbound lane will remain closed until midday Friday, Oct. 24, the northbound lane will remain open between Dayton Street and University Avenue at all times or be supervised by traffic controllers.
The closure will ensure the safety of workers and drivers in the narrow intersection while concrete pavement is placed.
