Cécile Richards, former president of Planned Parenthood, dies at 67

Cécile Richards, women’s rights activist and former president of Planned Parenthood, has died at age 67, her family announced.

“This morning, our beloved Cécile died at home, surrounded by her family and her always faithful dog, Ollie. Our hearts are broken today, but no words can do justice to the joy she brought to our lives,” her family said in a statement shared Monday with NBC News.

“We are grateful to the doctors and health workers who provided him with excellent care, and to the friends, family and supporters who stood by him during this difficult time,” the family said.

She was diagnosed with glioblastoma, an aggressive form of brain cancer, in 2023, she revealed to The Cut last year.

The family said to those wishing to celebrate Richards’ memory: “We invite you to put on some New Orleans jazz, gather with friends and family over a great meal.”

The family ended with a memorable quote from Richards: “It’s not hard to imagine future generations one day asking, ‘When there was so much at stake for our country, what did you do?’ The only acceptable answer is: “Whatever we can.”

Richards, the daughter of former Texas Gov. Ann Richards, previously served as deputy chief of staff to Rep. Nancy Pelosi of California.

She served as president of Planned Parenthood Action Fund from 2006 to 2018. In her final years as head of the organization, she clashed with Donald Trump, who during his first administration moved to restrict access to contraception, increase restrictions on abortion, and reduce protecting Planned Parenthood services in a number of states.

During Trump’s 2016 campaign, he pledged to nominate justices to the Supreme Court who could help overturn Roe v. Wade. This landmark case, which guaranteed a constitutional right to abortion, was overturned in June 2022.

“I’ve been fortunate to have always had a job that I cared about,” Richards told The Cut last year. “So many people I worked and organized with, nursing home workers, hotel workers and janitors, had no options. And they worked because they cared about their work, but they worked because they had to provide for a family. But I was one of the lucky few who was able to do what I thought I should do. And so whatever happens next, I have it.

Tributes poured in for Richards on social media Monday, remembering her as a pioneer for reproductive rights.

Planned Parenthood wrote on X: “We are heartbroken to lose the indomitable force that is our former president, Cecile Richards. During her 12 years of dedicated service to our organization, she took us to new heights in our work in healthcare, education and advocacy. She was the epitome of “Take care, no matter what.”

“As the reproductive freedom movement navigates uncharted territory, we know that Cécile would tell us that the best way to honor his memory is to dress (in pink!), link arms and fight like one. devil for the health and rights of all. » the organization continued.

Former president Joe Biden said Monday: “Jill and I are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Cécile Richards. »

“Cécile fearlessly led us to become the America we claim to be. Carrying her mother’s torch for justice, she championed some of our country’s most important civil rights causes. She fought for the dignity of workers, defended and advanced women’s reproductive rights and equality, and mobilized our fellow Americans to exercise their power to vote,” he said. “Jill and I send our love and strength to her husband Kirk, her children Daniel, Hannah and Lily, her grandson Teddy and the entire Richards family.”

Ancient Vice President Kamala Harris praised Richards as “a force to be reckoned with.”

“Cécile led with heart, fearlessness and courage the fight for women’s rights and the dignity of every woman to make decisions regarding her own body. She fought tirelessly on behalf of all women, and today millions of people across the country benefit from her work,” she said. “She would like us to pay tribute to her by rededicating ourselves to the fight for fundamental freedoms. Let’s roll up our sleeves and make her proud.

Texas Democratic Party Chairman Gilberto Hinojosa remembered Richards as a “pioneer, a force for good and a voice for the voiceless.”

“Cécile was a true Texas giant whose work will continue to guide us as we move forward in the fight for justice, equality and the restoration of reproductive freedom,” Hinojosa said in a statement.

“Cécile Richards was a dear friend and invaluable partner in many fights, from ensuring the ACA covered birth control to keeping Planned Parenthood’s doors open no matter what,” wrote Sen. Patty Murray (D-WA) on social media. “She changed the conversation about women’s health and fought until the end. We will miss her. »