According to her family, Cecile Richards, a former president of Planned Parenthood and a champion for women’s rights, passed away at the age of 67.
Our dear Cecile died this morning at home, accompanied by her devoted dog, Ollie, and her family. In a statement released to NBC News on Monday, her family wrote, “Our hearts are broken today, but no words can do justice to the joy she brought to our lives.”
The family expressed their gratitude to the medical professionals who gave her exceptional treatment as well as to the friends, family, and well-wishers who supported her during this trying time.
She told The Cut last year that she was given a 2023 diagnosis of glioblastoma, a dangerous type of brain cancer.
To those who would like to honor Richard’s memory, the family wrote, “We invite you to gather with friends and family over a good meal and put on some New Orleans jazz.”
The family concluded with a Richards quote to keep in mind: It’s not difficult to picture future generations asking: What did you do when our nation was at such a high risk? “Everything we could” is the only response that is acceptable.
Richards, who was previously California Representative Nancy Pelosi’s deputy chief of staff, is the daughter of former Texas Governor Ann Richards.
From 2006 to 2018, she presided over the Planned Parenthood Action Fund as its president.She battled Donald Trump in her final years as the organization’s leader. During his first term, Trump took steps to restrict access to contraception, tighten restrictions on abortion, and reduce safeguards for Planned Parenthood services in some states.
Trump promised to choose Supreme Court justices who could aid in overturning Roe v. Wade throughout his 2016 campaign. In June 2022, the historic case that upheld the constitutional right to an abortion was overturned.
Last year, Richards told The Cut, “I’ve been fortunate to always have work that I cared about.” Many of the people I’ve organized and worked with, including janitors, hotel staff, and nursing home employees, had no other choice. They also worked because they had to provide for their families, even though they enjoyed their employment. However, I was among the extremely fortunate few who were able to carry out my own judgment. So I have that for whatever comes next.
On Monday, social media was flooded with tributes to Richards, who was a pioneer in the field of reproductive rights.
Planned Parenthoodcommented on X: We are devastated by the passing of Cecile Richards, our former president, who was an unstoppable force. She elevated our advocacy, education, and health care efforts during her 12 years of dedicated service to our organization. She embodied the motto, “Care, no matter what.”
The organization went on to say, “We know Cecile would tell us the best way to honor her memory is to suit up (in pink!), link arms, and fight like hell for the health and rights of all people as the reproductive freedom movement navigates uncharted territory.”
Joe Biden, the former president, stated on Monday that Jill and I are very sorry to hear about Cecile Richards’s passing.
Cecile boldly guided us to become the America we claim to be. She carried on her mother’s fight for justice by supporting some of the most significant civil rights issues in our country. She championed women’s equality and reproductive rights, campaigned for worker dignity, and inspired our fellow Americans to use their right to vote, he said. To her husband Kirk, her children Daniel, Hannah, and Lily, her grandson Teddy, and the entire Richards family, Jill and I are sending our love and support.
Richards was hailed by former Vice President Kamala Harris as a formidable opponent.
On the front lines of the struggle for women’s rights and the dignity of each woman to make decisions regarding her own body, Cecile led with passion, bravery, and fearlessness. She said that millions of people nationwide now benefit from her diligent efforts on behalf of all women. She would want us to pay tribute to her by recommitting to the defense of basic liberties. Let’s get our hands dirty and honor her.
Gilberto Hinojosa, the chair of the Texas Democratic Party, recalled Richards as a trailblazer, a positive influence, and a voice for the voiceless.
Hinojosa stated in a statement that Cecile was a genuine Texas giant whose work would continue to guide us as we march forward in the struggle for justice, equality, and the restoration of reproductive freedom.
Sen. Patty Murray (D-WA) posted on social media that Cecile Richards was a good friend and an indispensable partner in many battles, from ensuring that birth control was covered by the Affordable Care Act to ensuring that Planned Parenthood remained open no matter what. She was a tenacious advocate and transformed the discourse surrounding women’s health. We shall miss her.