President Obama echoed his support for abortion rights today, the 38th anniversary of the Supreme Court's pro-choice decision in Roe v. Wade.

"Government should not intrude on private family matters," Obama said in a statement, adding that he also supports policies to prevent "unintended pregnancies."

The president made his statement as thousands of abortion opponents planned annual March for Life rallies, with many hoping that the new Republican-run U.S. House will enact new restrictions on the practice.

"We are seeing a cultural shift toward protecting life and rolling back the tide of unrestricted abortions," said Charmaine Yoest, president of Americans United for Life.

Obama's statement: