President Obama reaffirmed his support for abortion rights on Saturday, the 38th anniversary of the Supreme Court decision in Roe v. Wade that established a woman's right to an abortion.
"I am committed to protecting this constitutional right," Mr. Obama said in a statement. "I also remain committed to policies, initiatives, and programs that help prevent unintended pregnancies, support pregnant women and mothers, encourage healthy relationships, and promote adoption."
Mr. Obama, the father of two young daughters, called on Americans to "recommit ourselves more broadly to ensuring that our daughters have the same rights, the same freedoms, and the same opportunities as our sons to fulfill their dreams."
Mr. Obama said the 1973 Supreme Court ruling "affirms a fundamental principle: that government should not intrude on private family matters."
The president's statement came as anti-abortion demonstrators began arriving in Washington for a "Right to Life" rally on Monday.
Saturday's anniversary of Roe comes as conservative lawmakers, bolstered by the results of the midterm elections and looking for a Republican takeover of the White House and Senate 2012, are introducing legislation that would restrict or ban abortion procedures.
State lawmakers are pushing bills that would ban most abortions at 20 weeks after conception, require women considering abortions to view a live ultrasound of the fetus, or curb insurance coverage, among other proposals.
In Congress, Republicans have included a ban on using federal funds for abortions in their efforts to dismantle Democrats' health care overhaul.
Defenders of abortion rights say that lawmakers are overreaching and should focus on budget issues and the economy.
By ASHLEY SOUTHALL
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