Washington, D.C. –Nancy Keenan, president of NARAL Pro-Choice America, issued the following statement regarding former Sen. John Edwards' decision to end his presidential campaign.

"On behalf of NARAL Pro-Choice America and our one million member activists across the country, I commend Sen. Edwards for his eloquent and consistent support for women's freedom and privacy. We are grateful that he and his wife, Elizabeth, are such courageous and inspiring friends of the pro-choice community.

"Throughout this election season, NARAL Pro-Choice America has applauded the strong pro-choice credentials of the Democratic field, and Sen. Edwards was among this impressive list of dynamic candidates. His departure from this race leaves pro-choice voters with two equally strong options, Sens. Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama. Like former Sen. Edwards, these two candidates have fully pro-choice voting records and will support a woman's right to choose.

"There is a clear difference between the Democratic candidates and the remaining Republicans. Mike Huckabee, John McCain, and Mitt Romney all have gone even further than George W. Bush in their anti-choice rhetoric, even calling for the reversal of Roe v. Wade. This distinction is especially important today, as we recognize the energy and conviction Sen. Edwards brought to this campaign. This election is about changing the direction of our country and protecting, not attacking, women's health and freedom.

"As the political leader of the pro-choice movement, NARAL Pro-Choice America will continue to make sure voters know the clear differences between the pro-choice candidates who support the values of freedom and privacy and the anti-choice candidates who want politicians to interfere in our most personal, private decisions."