Cecile Richards, the former president of Planned Parenthood, passed away at the age of 67, as confirmed by her family on Monday. She died at home, surrounded by her family and her loyal dog, Ollie. The family expressed their deep sorrow at her loss, acknowledging the joy she brought to their lives.
Richards' passing occurred just before President-elect Donald Trump was scheduled to be sworn in for a second term.
The family expressed gratitude towards the healthcare professionals who provided excellent care to Richards during her illness, as well as the support from friends, family, and well-wishers.
Richards held the position of president at Planned Parenthood from 2006 to 2018. During her tenure, she worked to elevate the organization's profile, despite facing criticism from conservatives and anti-abortion activists who advocated for defunding the organization.
In her statement upon stepping down in January 2018, Richards highlighted the progress made in expanding access to services and prioritizing reproductive rights within the nation's healthcare system. She expressed pride in the advancements made for the millions of individuals served by Planned Parenthood health centers annually.
Planned Parenthood is recognized as the nation's primary provider and advocate for affordable sexual and reproductive healthcare for all individuals. Additionally, the organization is the largest provider of sex education in the country, operating nearly 600 health centers nationwide.
