Supreme Court's split decision for abortion rights gives opponents an unlikely boost

The Supreme Court's decision in June striking down a Louisiana restriction on abortion clinics is giving abortion opponents an unlikely opportunity in other states.

Officials in Texas, Ohio, Indiana, Kentucky and Oklahoma have in recent weeks argued that the high court's narrow 5-4 ruling actually bolsters their defense of anti-abortion laws, even though the justices ruled against Louisiana.

The states' arguments coincide with a federal appeals court decision earlier this month reinstating several abortion restrictions in Arkansas, which was based in part on the Supreme Court's seemingly pro-choice ruling.

The...