Obama to headline Planned Parenthood gala

Aamer Madhani, USA TODAY | USATODAY

WASHINGTON—President Obama will address Planned Parenthood's annual gala on Thursday, the organization announced today.

"President Obama has done more than any president in history for women's health and rights," Planned Parenthood Federation of America President Cecile Richards said in a statement announcing that Obama will deliver the keynote address at the organization's "Time For Care" dinner in Washington. "We are honored to have President Obama join us...at this pivotal moment for women's health."

Richards also served as a surrogate for Obama's reelection campaign, touting the president's record on women's issues during the heat of the race.

Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, Dr. Ruth K. Westheimer and HBO's "Girls" creator Lena Dunham will be honored the event.

Planned Parenthood provides a variety of services for women, including contraception, cancer screenings and abortions.

Obama reaffirmed last week that he favors abortion rights.

"What I can say is this: You know, I think, President (Bill) Clinton said it pretty well when he said abortion should be safe, legal and rare," Obama said in an interview with NBC's Today show.

Last year, Obama taped a video message praising Planned Parenthood, telling members he would fight Republican efforts to cut their federal funding.

During the campaign, he also charged that the GOP presidential nominee, Mitt Romney, would end funding for the organization.