Cecile Richards, Former Planned Parenthood President and Advocate, Dies at 67

Cecile Richards Planned Parenthood 2018
Cecile Richards at the Planned Parenthood Spring Gala, New York, USA in 2018. Photo by Rommel Demano/BFA/Shutterstock (9657726n)

Cecile Richards, a prominent advocate for women’s rights and former president of Planned Parenthood, passed away on January 20, 2025, at the age of 67, after a battle with glioblastoma, 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. Our hearts are broken today but no words can do justice to the joy she brought to our lives,” a statement put out by her family read, according to CNN.

Planned Parenthood Federation of America and Planned Parenthood Action Fund wrote to express their sadness over the news. “Cecile Richards was an indomitable force. In her 12 devoted years of service to our organization, Cecile brought the Planned Parenthood Federation of America to new heights in our health care, education, and advocacy work. She led us through fights that transformed the reproductive health and rights landscape and made Planned Parenthood Action Fund the advocacy and political force that it remains to this day,” CNN reported.

Born on July 15, 1957, in Waco, Texas, Richards was the eldest daughter of former Texas Governor Ann Richards. She graduated from Brown University with a bachelor’s degree in history in 1980. Richards began her career as a labor organizer, advocating for low-wage workers across several states. She co-founded America Votes in 2003, an organization aimed at coordinating efforts to mobilize voters. Later, she served as deputy chief of staff for House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi.

In 2006, Richards took the helm of the Planned Parenthood Federation of America, leading the organization for 12 years. During her tenure, she significantly increased its membership, donor support, and political influence, steadfastly advocating for reproductive rights and access to healthcare services. Richards navigated the organization through numerous political challenges, including efforts to defund it and the landmark Supreme Court decision overturning Roe v. Wade in 2022, according to AP News.

After stepping down from Planned Parenthood in 2018, Richards co-founded Supermajority, a political action group dedicated to empowering women voters and advocating for gender equality. She also authored a memoir, “Make Trouble,” detailing her experiences in activism and leadership, Vogue reported.

In recognition of her lifelong commitment to civil rights and social justice, President Joe Biden awarded Richards the Presidential Medal of Freedom in November 2024. In a statement, President Biden praised her as a “leader of utmost character,” according to People.com.

Richards is survived by her husband, Kirk Adams, a labor organizer with the Service Employees International Union, their three children—Lily, Hannah, and Daniel—and a grandson. Her family honored her legacy, urging others to continue her fight for justice and equality.

Throughout her life, Cecile Richards remained a steadfast advocate for women’s rights, leaving an indelible mark on the fight for reproductive freedom and social justice in the United States.