The U.S. Senate confirmed Wendy Vitter to a Louisiana federal court seat Thursday, approving a nominee who drew significant opposition from civil rights and abortion rights groups.

Vitter, currently general counsel to the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of New Orleans, was confirmed 52-45, overcoming criticism of her past views on abortion and an answer she gave at a confirmation hearing last year on a landmark U.S. Supreme Court case. Only one Republican, Sen. Susan Collins of Maine, defected from party ranks and opposed Vitter's nomination.

Vitter is the 65th federal trial court judge confirmed under President Donald Trump's administration.