The head of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Portland on Thursday praised the U.S. Supreme Court’s 5-4 ruling last week that upheld a federal ban on midterm abortions. Bishop Richard J. Malone, who was out of state late last week, issued a press release the day after the court issued its decision on partial-birth abortions. “I am very encouraged with the decision,” Malone said. “It is a step in reasserting the sanctity of human life at one of its most vulnerable stages. We have a long way to go. I pray that this decision might stir the consciences of our people to deeper, more active promotion of the defense of human life.” Malone has urged Catholics to oppose a bill before the state Legislature that would provide public funding for abortions in Maine. A hearing on that bill is scheduled to be held at 1 p.m. Thursday, April 26, before the Health and Human Services Committee.