An adviser to Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney who was quoted in a political magazine as saying his boss is "faking it as a pro-choice friendly" on abortion said the phrase was taken out of context.

Political adviser Michael Murphy said the quotation in the latest National Review magazine was made as he was "discussing a characterization the governor's critics use."

"I regret the quote and any confusion it might have caused," Murphy said in a statement Thursday.

The magazine quoted him as saying of Romney, "He's been a pro-life Mormon faking it as a pro-choice friendly."

A first-term Republican, Romney has said he personally opposes abortion but would do nothing to roll back abortion rights in Massachusetts as governor.