Partial-birth abortion ban ready for vote; Democrats are opposed.(PAGE ONE)

Byline: Amy Fagan, THE WASHINGTON TIMES

A ban on partial-birth abortions could be on President Bush's desk by as early as next week, after a conference committee yesterday finished with the bill and sent it to be cleared by both chambers.

President Clinton twice vetoed a similar ban - in April 1996 and October 1997.

"After two presidential vetoes, this ban will finally become law and the performance of this barbaric procedure will come to an end," said House Judiciary Committee Chairman Rep. F. James Sensenbrenner Jr., Wisconsin Republican and member of the House-Senate conference committee.

The House is expected to clear the legislation …