The long-term president of Planned Parenthood, Cecile Richards, has died aged 67.
In a statement on Monday, Richards family confirmed that she had died at home from an aggressive form of brain cancer.
“This morning our beloved Cecile passed away at home, surrounded by her family and her ever-loyal dog, Ollie,” the statement read.
”Our hearts are broken today but no words can do justice to the joy she brought to our lives.”
They added that they were “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.”
During her 12 years at the helm of Planned Parenthood, Richards oversaw the performance of millions of abortions, solidifying the organisation as the largest abortion provider in the United States.
She fought against pro-life efforts to protect the unborn, lobbying for expanded access to abortion up until the moment of birth and opposing legislation such as partial-birth abortion bans.
As a result of her efforts, millions of babies who were denied the opportunity of life.
Under her leadership, Planned Parenthood’s reputation was also tarnished by scandals, including allegations of selling foetal body parts for profit, which sparked national outrage and congressional investigations.
Her interest in abortion was partially the result of having had one herself, which she said at the time was an easy decision for her.
“I had an abortion,” Richards wrote back in 2014. “It was the right decision for me and my husband, and it wasn’t a difficult decision.”
Back in November, Joe Biden awarded Richards the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation’s highest civilian honor.
“A leader of utmost character, she has carved an inspiring legacy that endures in her incredible family, the countless lives she has made better, and a Nation seeking the light of equality, justice, and freedom,” Biden declared at the time.
Now she is gone, may Cecile Richards face her creator and be judged accordingly.
‘Devout Catholic’ Joe Biden Awards Medal of Freedom to Former President of Planned Parenthood
