Cecile Richards, the former president of Planned Parenthood Federation of America and a leading advocate for abortion rights, died on Monday at the age of 67, her family announced in a statement.
“This morning our beloved Cecile passed away at home, surrounded by her family and her ever-loyal dog, Ollie. Our hearts are broken today but no words can do justice to the joy she brought to our lives,” it read.
Why It Matters
Richards passed away just hours before President Donald Trump was inaugurated for his second term, at a time when abortion rights remained a top concern for America.
Despite battling glioblastoma, an aggressive brain cancer, Richards continued her advocacy, launching projects like Abortion in America to amplify abortion stories on platforms like TikTok and Instagram.
Former President of Planned Parenthood Cecile Richards speaks on stage during the third day of the Democratic National Convention at the United Center on August 21, 2024 in Chicago, Illinois. She passed away on… Former President of Planned Parenthood Cecile Richards speaks on stage during the third day of the Democratic National Convention at the United Center on August 21, 2024 in Chicago, Illinois. She passed away on Monday at the age of 67, her family said in a statement. Andrew Harnik/Getty
What To Know
A lifelong advocate for women’s rights, Texas-born Richards will be remembered as one of the United States’ most influential defenders of abortion access in recent decades.
Richards served as president of Planned Parenthood from 2006 to 2018, playing a key role in elevating the organization’s profile amid ongoing criticism from conservatives and antiabortion activists, who have repeatedly urged the government to cut its funding.
Richards stood up for the organization and its mission amid growing opposition from political foes, including President Donald Trump. Trump’s promise to overturn the landmark abortion rights decision Roe v. Wade was a key focus of his first presidential campaign.
Planned Parenthood describes itself as the nation’s leading provider and advocate for accessible, high-quality sexual and reproductive health care for all, as well as the largest provider of sex education, with nearly 600 health centers nationwide.
Richards was diagnosed with glioblastoma in 2023. She first revealed the diagnosis in an interview with The Cut, published last January.
Her final project, titled Abortion in America, focused on using TikTok and Instagram to share abortion stories, aiming to reach audiences beyond traditional media.
What People Are Saying
A statement from Richards’ husband, Kirk Adams, and their three children said and shared with CBS News read: “We are grateful to the doctors and health care workers who provided her excellent care and the friends, family, and well-wishers who have been by her side during this challenging time.”
Sharing a picture of herself with Richards on X, formerly Twitter, former U.S. Senator Claire McCaskill said: “She was an amazing woman. This was taken at the DNC in Chicago this year. Cecile fought for women’s rights. Hard. Millions of women benefited from her courage and determination. Cecile Richards made her mom proud. RIP.”
What Happens Next
It remains unknown when Richards’ funeral will be held.
