Contact: Natalie Bell, Concerned Women for America, 202-488-7000, ext. 126

WASHINGTON, Nov. 29 /Christian Newswire/ -- Today, the nation has lost one its most enduring pro-life leaders, former Rep. Henry Hyde (R-Illinois).

Hyde's career in the House spans 32 years in which he was as one of the most vocal and unrelenting advocates of the sanctity of life. In 1977, Hyde successfully proposed an amendment to ban the use of federal funds to pay for abortions. The Hyde Amendment continues to protect innocent life even today. But his work did not stop there. He also fought for the ban on partial-birth abortion and much more. Hyde will long be remembered as leading the first steps in a long journey in favor of the right to life. His strength and potent influence on the pro-life movement will be missed.

Concerned Women for America (CWA) joins our fellow Americans in mourning the passing of Henry Hyde. We pray that God will comfort his loved ones in their sorrow.

CWA released the following statements:

Statement of Beverly LaHaye, Founder and Chairman:

"The nation rightly mourns the passing of a giant in the pro-life movement, a man dedicated to preserving liberty, retired Rep. Henry Hyde (R-Illinois).  His unswerving commitment and powerful leadership will long be remembered by those of us who had the honor to join Congressman Hyde in the battle for the right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.  What a privilege it was for me to know and to work with a man of Henry Hyde's integrity and perseverance.  I pray the Lord will comfort his family and loved ones in their sorrow."

Statement of Wendy Wright, President:

"Henry Hyde was the quintessential gentleman and statesman. His profound compassion for the unborn will be remembered throughout history by the legislative protections that bear his name and from his eloquent, persuasive speeches," said Wendy Wright, President of Concerned Women for America.

Statement of Dr. Janice Shaw Crouse, Director and Senior Fellow of Concerned Women for America’s Beverly LaHaye Institute:

"Henry Hyde was a big man in every sense of the word –and his legacy is as big as his person; as large as his heart.  His long tenure and chairmanships of numerous important committees left a positive, pro-life impact that has been huge and will be sorely missed.  His deep convictions and oratorical skills made him an articulate defender of human rights and an outspoken protector of unborn children. His wisdom and statesmanship as chairman of the Judiciary Committee kept the Clinton impeachment hearings from turning into a comedy of errors. He will be remembered as the gentle giant of Congress -- who moved quietly, yet forcefully, purposefully and positively toward the important goal of restoring Judeo-Christian values as the standard for American culture. We will not soon see his equal again."

Concerned Women for America is the nation's largest public policy women's organization.