Abortion key issue in replacing Souter

WASHINGTON, May 3 (UPI) -- Abortion rights will occupy a prominent place in the political battle to replace U.S. Supreme Court Justice David Souter, say those on each side of the issue.

"Without a doubt, opponents of women's freedom and privacy will use a vacancy on the court as an opportunity to further their attacks on nominees who have taken pro-choice positions, " said Nancy Keenan, president of NARAL Pro-Choice America, the abortion rights group.

Difficulties encountered by several of President Barack Obama's choices for federal posts prove anti-abortion groups retain the power to derail the president's agenda, despite the Democratic majority in Congress, said Charmaine Yoest, president of Americans United for Life.

"This new administration and the congressional majority may support radical abortion rights, but the American people as a whole do not," Yoest said.

Souter plans to retire from the court in late summer or early fall, the Los Angeles Times reported Sunday.