Senator Edward M. Kennedy Dies at 77

NY Times: Obituary: Edward M. Kennedy, by John M. Broder:

Senator Edward M. Kennedy of Massachusetts, a son of one of the most storied families in American politics, a man who knew acclaim and tragedy in near-equal measure and who will be remembered as one of the most effective lawmakers in the history of the Senate, died late Tuesday night. He was 77.

The death of Mr. Kennedy, who had been battling brain cancer, was announced Wednesday morning in a statement by the Kennedy family, which was already mourning the death of the senator’s sister Eunice Kennedy Shriver two weeks earlier.

“Edward M. Kennedy — the husband, father, grandfather, brother and uncle we loved so deeply — died late Tuesday night at home in Hyannis Port,” the statement said. “We’ve lost the irreplaceable center of our family and joyous light in our lives, but the inspiration of his faith, optimism and perseverance will live on in our hearts forever.”

President Obama said Mr. Kennedy was one of the nation’s greatest senators....

National Abortion Federation Press Release:

National Abortion Federation Mourns the Loss of Senator Kennedy

Statement of Cathleen M. Mahoney, Executive Vice President of the National Abortion Federation (NAF):

Today, we join the nation in mourning the loss of a great American statesman, Senator Edward M. Kennedy. Our condolences go out to his family and friends during this difficult time.

Throughout his distinguished career, Senator Kennedy fought for those Americans most in need. His tireless advocacy and leadership led to the passage of historic legislation that has challenged discrimination, protected workers, and preserved civil liberties. His long tenure on the Senate Judiciary Committee helped ensure that our nation’s judges continue to protect the Constitution and the civil rights of all Americans.  He was also a leading voice for health care reform and devoted his final years to this work despite being diagnosed with a debilitating illness.

Senator Kennedy was a true champion for women’s equality and reproductive rights. He was instrumental in the passage of the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances (FACE) Act, which has helped keep abortion providers and their patients safe.  His tireless advocacy during more than 40 years in the Senate for the rights of women and health care providers will certainly be missed.

As we mourn the loss of this great American, we call on Senator Kennedy’s colleagues in Congress to remember his words that “the work goes on, the cause endures, the hope still lives” and to continue his life’s work in honor of his dedication to this country and the American people.