'The energies expended on continually fighting for funding could have been put to more practical use but the decision vindicates that effort,' she said.

"The decision vindicates the right of the physician to administer medical treatment according to his professional judgment," Blackmun wrote in a key summary paragraph.

To the extent the decision vindicated the rights of women, it was by proxy, through their (mostly male) doctors.

"The decision vindicates the commission's policies and stance," Mr. Byrne said in a statement.

Francis Mason, board chairman of the center and the school, said the decision "vindicates our work to preserve Martha Graham's legacy."

Mr. Smith, the attorney for the Alamo interests, said the decision "vindicates the clear language of the statute."

She said the decision vindicated her, but she still faces other bribery charges.

Mr. DeLay said the decision vindicated his claim that the complaint "was nothing more than an attempt at character assassination."

The group's president, Brian Harris, said the decision vindicated his belief that states could enact policies that "favor childbirth over abortion."

'This decision totally vindicates me and clears my name of the slur that I have lied about myself.'