A recent Marist poll has found that Americans are about evenly split when it comes to their views on abortion. In a shift from the previous month's poll, more people who are under the age of 45 and who are Democrats and younger people have identified themselves with the pro-life position.

The U. S. Senate voted down (53-44) a measure sponsored by Sen. Ben Sasse (R-Neb.), called "The Born-Alive Survivors Protection Act" which would have required immediate medical attention for babies that are born alive after an abortion.

He faces a potential maximum 50-year prison term after a sentencing hearing that begins on Wednesday.

The case gives the court an opportunity to clarify the test used to determine when government-sponsored religious displays violate the First Amendment.

Under a bill called: ""Removing Clergy Exemption from Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting," a controversial new measure offered by a California state senator, priests would be required to report to civil authorities what they learn in confession about sexual abuse.

Some members of the armed forces resent the influence and popularity of the Catholic Church in the Amazon.