Reacting to Samuel Alito's confirmation to the U.S. Supreme Court, pro-abortion groups are issuing statements of outrage, one organization calling the confirmation "a blow to the ideals of freedom and privacy that Americans value."

Yesterday, the Senate confirmed President Bush's choice to replace retiring Justice Sandra Day O'Connor by a 58-42 count. Only four Democrats backed Alito, joining 54 of the chamber's 55 Republicans.

The National Organization for Women accused senators who confirmed Alito of giving in to the "despicable agenda of the right wing," and condemned their "unrelenting determination to undermine our rights and liberties."

Karen Pearl, interim president of Planned Parenthood, the world’s largest abortion provider, stated: "Today's vote is a crushing blow to the protections for women's health and safety that American women and families have relied on for more than 33 years.

"We applaud those senators who held fast to their principles and voted against Alito's nomination. However, the American public should be outraged that a majority of the Senate was willing to jeopardize our basic reproductive rights by voting for Judge Alito. Fair-minded Americans will remember this vote when their rights are taken away."

Looking to the future, NARAL Pro-choice America said in an e-mail to supporters: "We're focusing our efforts to turn today's lessons into pro-choice victories by … electing pro-choice senators in 2006." NARAL then quoted pro-abortion Sen. Barack Obama as saying: "There's one way to guarantee that the judges who are appointed to the Supreme Court are judges that reflect our values. And that's to win elections."

Of course, many more traditionally oriented groups were gratified by Alito's confirmation. Rev. Rob Schenck, president of the National Clergy Council, said: "Millions of Americans have prayed for a change on the court, and this vote is an answer to those prayers. We are hopeful the confirmation of Justice Alito is the beginning of the end for Roe, that it signifies the preservation of marriage and strengthens our public acknowledgement of God. Now we turn our prayers and work towards the next open seat."

And Jan LaRue, chief counsel for Concerned Women for America, said: "Americans can rest assured knowing that we have one more highly qualified justice on the Supreme Court who is deeply committed to the written Constitution and the rule of law. Judge Alito is everything a judge should be and I am confident he will rule with both integrity and respect for the rights of every American."

LaRue added: "The relentless attacks of his character and competence were completely unjustified. Fortunately, the liberals' tactics only revealed their sheer desperation. The truth prevailed, and Judge Alito was able to leave the hearings with his head held high, having gained even greater respect from the American people."

Previous stories:

Alito confirmed with 58-42 vote

Kerry: Reject Alito because Coulter likes him

Kerry seeking Alito filibuster

Schumer besieges Alito on abortion

Kennedy: Record 'troubles me deeply'

Bush's base cheers Alito