**Cecile Richards, Prominent Advocate for Women’s Rights and Abortion Access, Passes Away at 67**
Concord, N.H. — Cecile Richards, a fierce national advocate for abortion rights and women’s health, passed away at the age of 67. She died at her home on Monday, surrounded by family and her devoted dog, Ollie, as confirmed by her loved ones in an official statement.
Richards, who previously helmed Planned Parenthood for twelve challenging years, was the daughter of the late Texas Governor Ann Richards. She was diagnosed with glioblastoma, an aggressive form of brain cancer, in 2023—just five years after stepping down as president of Planned Parenthood.
During her tenure, Richards transformed Planned Parenthood into the nation’s premier provider of reproductive health services, which include not only abortions but also birth control, cancer screenings, and testing for sexually transmitted diseases. However, the organization has often faced scrutiny and opposition from social conservatives. Under her guidance, Planned Parenthood saw an increase in membership, financial support, and political influence. She was known for taking a stand against detractors, most notably when she faced intense questioning from Republican lawmakers in 2015 related to the organization’s abortion policies.
Richards also expressed concern over the inaction of the U.S. Supreme Court regarding Texas’ strict abortion legislation in 2021, suggesting it could undermine judicial oversight on reproductive rights. Following the 2022 overturning of Roe v. Wade, she remained vocal about the issue, emphasizing the importance of collective action in her speeches, including one at the Democratic National Convention where she urged future generations to reflect on the sacrifices made for reproductive rights.
Born on July 15, 1957, in Waco, Texas, Richards earned a degree in history from Brown University. Her activism began early; during her graduation ceremony in 1980, she famously displayed a banner protesting the university’s investments in South Africa. Reflecting on her college years in a 2017 graduation speech, she spoke about the influence of Brown in shaping her commitment to social justice and the responsibility each individual carries to effect change.
After completing her education, Richards worked as a grassroots organizer for low-wage workers and later returned to Texas to support her mother’s gubernatorial campaign in 1990. In 2004, she co-founded America Votes and served as deputy chief of staff for Nancy Pelosi before taking on the leadership role at Planned Parenthood.
Pelosi, in a statement following Richards’ passing, praised her as an “intellectually sharp” strategist whose impactful work significantly advanced women’s rights and effectively mobilized support for critical social issues.
Current President Joe Biden, who honored Richards with the Presidential Medal of Freedom in November, highlighted her tremendous contributions in a statement, recognizing her as a leader of extraordinary character. He commended her dedication to civil rights and her relentless advocacy for women’s access to healthcare and voting rights.
Following her departure from Planned Parenthood, Richards co-chaired American Bridge and initiated a project aimed at sharing personal accounts regarding the repercussions of abortion bans, emphasizing the human aspect of the rights debate.
Alexis McGill Johnson, the current president of Planned Parenthood, heralded Richards as an “indomitable force” and underscored the importance of her groundwork in navigating current challenges. She reiterated that honoring Richards’ legacy demands continued activism.
Richards is survived by her husband, two daughters, a son, and a grandson. In her address at the Democratic National Convention, she shared the joy of recently becoming a grandmother and lauded Vice President Kamala Harris’ presidential campaign as a significant advancement for women. She quoted her mother, saying, “I hear America singing,” emphasizing that when women can freely make their choices, they become a powerful force for change.
