The National Organization of Women endorsed U.S. Sen. John Kerry in his re-election campaign Friday.

"Senator Kerry's record of support for women's rights legislation is extraordinary and NOW is proud to support his campaign for re-election," Kim Gandy, NOW president, said in a statement.

The Boston Democrat has a record of standing up for equal rights for women, according to his campaign. In particular, the campaign highlighted Kerry's 100 percent rating from NARAL and Planned Parenthood on abortion rights. Kerry also contributed to the drafting of the Women's Retirement Security Act in 2007. That legislation increased pension rights for women.

Kerry is currently facing a primary challenge from Gloucester attorney Ed O'Reilly. If he wins that race next Tuesday, he'll face Republican nominee Jeff Beatty, of Harwich, in the general election.