Cecile Richards, a prominent figure in the fight for abortion access and women’s rights, passed away at the age of 67 in her home in Concord, New Hampshire. She was surrounded by her family and her loyal dog, Ollie, at the time of her death. The family expressed their deep sorrow at the loss of Richards, highlighting the joy she brought to their lives.
Richards, the daughter of the late Texas Governor Ann Richards, was diagnosed with glioblastoma, a form of brain cancer, in 2023. This came five years after she stepped down from her position as the president of Planned Parenthood, where she had served for 12 years. During her tenure, Richards faced intense scrutiny and criticism due to Planned Parenthood’s role as a leading abortion provider in the country. Despite this, she remained steadfast in her advocacy for reproductive rights and healthcare.
In 2015, Richards faced hostile questioning from Republican members of the U.S. House, leading to an investigative panel being created to probe Planned Parenthood’s policies. She also spoke out against the Supreme Court’s inaction on Texas’ restrictive abortion law and continued to advocate for women’s rights even after the landmark Roe v. Wade decision was overturned in 2022.
President Joe Biden, who awarded Richards the Presidential Medal of Freedom, praised her as a leader of utmost character. He commended her for championing civil rights causes, defending women’s reproductive rights, and mobilizing Americans to exercise their right to vote. Alexis McGill Johnson, the current president of Planned Parenthood Federation of America, described Richards as an “indomitable force” and emphasized the importance of continuing her legacy.
In her speeches, Richards often spoke about the joy of becoming a grandmother and the empowerment of women in society. She quoted her mother, Governor Ann Richards, in celebrating women’s achievements and the progress made in the fight for equality. Richards believed that when women are free to make their own decisions and pursue their dreams, they become unstoppable forces for change.
The legacy of Cecile Richards lives on through the movements she built and the battles she fought for women’s rights. As the nation continues to navigate uncertain times, her words serve as a reminder to stand up, unite, and fight for the rights of all individuals. In honoring her memory, the call to action is clear: to continue the fight for Planned Parenthood patients and uphold the values of equality and justice that Richards dedicated her life to.
