Updated Jan. 26: Revised to include Richards' official announcement.

Planned Parenthood president Cecile Richards plans to step down from her role after more than a decade leading the women's health and reproductive-rights group.

Richards, 60, joined Planned Parenthood in 2006. In her 12 years in charge, the group gained members, donor support and political clout — but also found itself battling social conservatives because of its role as the nation's leading abortion provider.

Planned Parenthood provides a range of health services at its clinics, including birth control, cancer screenings and sexually transmitted disease tests. Congressional Republicans have tried numerous times to cut off federal funds that help subsidize the organization's services, and congressional committees investigated the group's role as a provider of fetal tissue to researchers.

Richards, the daughter of late Texas Gov. Ann Richards, has been vocal in Democratic politics and said in a statement Friday that she would remain engaged ahead of November's elections.

"There has never been a better moment to be an activist," she said.

Before joining Planned Parenthood, Richards founded America Votes, a coalition of groups that promote voter registration and education, and served as deputy chief of staff for Rep. Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif.

Pelosi called Richards "a portrait of energy, intellect, and determination" whose impact has transcended reproductive rights.

"As an organizer, activist, and leader, Cecile has helped launch a nationwide movement to defend and advance women's rights, and in doing so, she has inspired countless women to march, vote, run, and win." the House minority leader said.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.