The Senate blocked a bill pushed by Democrats to codify abortion rights into federal law on Monday, 46-48, ahead of an expected Supreme Court ruling that might limit access to the operation. Many opponents of legal abortion are optimistic that access will be limited, while proponents of abortion rights are expecting the worst, according to the 6-to-3 conservative majority and the tone of oral arguments in December. If the Supreme Court overturns Roe, it will result in restrictive regulations in 26 states and allow legislators in other states to restrict or abolish abortion.