The Wisconsin Supreme Court has struck down the state’s 176-year-old abortion ban. The court’s liberal majority ruled 4-3 on Wednesday that the ban is no longer valid because newer abortion restrictions superseded it.

Wisconsin justices ruled 4-3 to overturn a near abortion ban, a reflection of the court's liberal majority and an election that attracted millions in campaign donations.

Anti-abortion groups expressed disappointment after the Wisconsin Supreme Court overturned a 1849 state law that had banned nearly all abortions.

Wisconsin Supreme Court ruling blocks a 19th-century law that for a time effectively banned abortion in nearly all instances.