Photos: Abortion opponents gain ground at state level

Antiabortion activists demonstrate outside a clinic in Metairie, La. A conservative juggernaut has sprung to life in the state, which recently passed a restrictive new law requiring doctors who perform abortions to have admitting privileges at a local hospital.  (Jonathan Bachman / For The Times)

Antiabortion activists demonstrate outside a clinic in Metairie, La. The antiabortion group Americans United for Life ranks Louisiana as the most “pro-life” state in the U.S.  (Jonathan Bachman / For The Times)

Sen. Mary L. Landrieu (D-La.) faces a steep reelection battle in November and has become a target for antiabortion activists.  (Evan Vucci / Associated Press)

An antiabortion activist prays during a gathering of opponents and supporters of abortion rights at the Texas Capitol in Austin over the summer.  (Tamir Kalifa / Associated Press)

Abortion-rights advocates fill the Texas Capitol rotunda as the state Senate debated sweeping abortion restrictions this summer. Nearly two-thirds of the state’s abortion clinics have since been forced to close.  (Tamir Kalifa / Associated Press)

An antiabortion activist demonstrates outside a clinic in Metairie, La.  (Jonathan Bachman / For The Times)