Former president of Planned Parenthood and activist Cecile Richards has passed away
21 january 2025 в 04:13
Former president of Planned Parenthood and activist Cecile Richards passed away on Monday, January 20, 2025, during the inauguration of President-elect Donald Trump. Her family took to social media to share the news and remember her, as reported by CBS News.
«This morning our beloved Cecile passed away at home, surrounded by family and her ever faithful dog Ollie», - read a statement on Instagram, accompanied by photos from her life. «Our hearts are broken today, but no words can convey the joy she brought into our lives. We are grateful to the doctors and medical workers who provided her with excellent care, as well as friends, family, and well-wishers who were there during this difficult time».
Her husband Kirk Adams and their three children Lily, Hannah, and Daniel signed the statement. The carousel included photos from Cecile’s private and public life, including a photo with former President Barack Obama and another with former presidential candidate Hillary Clinton.
The daughter of former Texas governor Ann Richards graduated from Brown University and took on a senior position at Planned Parenthood in 2006. She served as president of the organization for 12 years, finally stepping down in 2018 to make way for Leana Wen. The position is currently held by Alexis McGill Johnson. In her teenage years, she was disciplined for participating in protests against the Vietnam War. She was a member of the Ford Foundation board and deputy chief of staff to Nancy Pelosi.
Cecile founded the Texas Freedom network and, along with others, founded America Votes. She was also a member of the advisory board of Let America Vote, among many other distinctions.
President Joe Biden awarded Cecile the Presidential Medal of Freedom at a private ceremony in November 2024. «Carrying the torch of justice from her parents, she led some of the most important civil rights cases in our nation’s history — to raise the dignity of workers, protect and advance reproductive rights and women’s equality, and mobilize Americans to exercise their power of voice», - read the praise at the ceremony, according to the White House. «A leader of the highest character, she leaves an inspiring legacy that continues to live on in her incredible family, countless lives she made better, and a nation seeking the light of equality, justice, and freedom».
She was also named one of Time magazine’s 100 most influential people in 2012. In that issue, Sandra Fluke called her «an example for all of us, as she leads women to unrestricted access to medical care and reproductive freedom».
In 2010, Cecile received the Puffin/Nation Prize for Creative Citizenship.
Cecile passed away after battling cancer. According to Fortune magazine, the well-known activist was diagnosed with glioblastoma, a rare and aggressive form of brain cancer, in mid-2023. By early 2024, Cecile addressed the public through social media, saying that at the time she «feels great». «These last few months have been filled with treatment — but also trips to Maine, Texas, and New Orleans, time with my husband, three amazing children, a new grandchild, and loyal dog Ollie, excursions to see the Flaco owl in Central Park, endless detective novels and old movies, and work that I continue to do so successfully», - she wrote.
In January 2024, in an interview with The Cut, she admitted that she did not expect to feel well after the diagnosis. «I sleep. I eat. I have fun. I work. It’s like Pinocchio — I’m a real boy, and it feels very good», - she told the magazine at the time. «Because six months ago I didn’t know that was possible».
The average survival rate for glioblastoma is approximately 15 months, according to Healthline
«This morning our beloved Cecile passed away at home, surrounded by family and her ever faithful dog Ollie», - read a statement on Instagram, accompanied by photos from her life. «Our hearts are broken today, but no words can convey the joy she brought into our lives. We are grateful to the doctors and medical workers who provided her with excellent care, as well as friends, family, and well-wishers who were there during this difficult time».
Her husband Kirk Adams and their three children Lily, Hannah, and Daniel signed the statement. The carousel included photos from Cecile’s private and public life, including a photo with former President Barack Obama and another with former presidential candidate Hillary Clinton.
The daughter of former Texas governor Ann Richards graduated from Brown University and took on a senior position at Planned Parenthood in 2006. She served as president of the organization for 12 years, finally stepping down in 2018 to make way for Leana Wen. The position is currently held by Alexis McGill Johnson. In her teenage years, she was disciplined for participating in protests against the Vietnam War. She was a member of the Ford Foundation board and deputy chief of staff to Nancy Pelosi.
Cecile founded the Texas Freedom network and, along with others, founded America Votes. She was also a member of the advisory board of Let America Vote, among many other distinctions.
President Joe Biden awarded Cecile the Presidential Medal of Freedom at a private ceremony in November 2024. «Carrying the torch of justice from her parents, she led some of the most important civil rights cases in our nation’s history — to raise the dignity of workers, protect and advance reproductive rights and women’s equality, and mobilize Americans to exercise their power of voice», - read the praise at the ceremony, according to the White House. «A leader of the highest character, she leaves an inspiring legacy that continues to live on in her incredible family, countless lives she made better, and a nation seeking the light of equality, justice, and freedom».
She was also named one of Time magazine’s 100 most influential people in 2012. In that issue, Sandra Fluke called her «an example for all of us, as she leads women to unrestricted access to medical care and reproductive freedom».
In 2010, Cecile received the Puffin/Nation Prize for Creative Citizenship.
Cecile passed away after battling cancer. According to Fortune magazine, the well-known activist was diagnosed with glioblastoma, a rare and aggressive form of brain cancer, in mid-2023. By early 2024, Cecile addressed the public through social media, saying that at the time she «feels great». «These last few months have been filled with treatment — but also trips to Maine, Texas, and New Orleans, time with my husband, three amazing children, a new grandchild, and loyal dog Ollie, excursions to see the Flaco owl in Central Park, endless detective novels and old movies, and work that I continue to do so successfully», - she wrote.
In January 2024, in an interview with The Cut, she admitted that she did not expect to feel well after the diagnosis. «I sleep. I eat. I have fun. I work. It’s like Pinocchio — I’m a real boy, and it feels very good», - she told the magazine at the time. «Because six months ago I didn’t know that was possible».
The average survival rate for glioblastoma is approximately 15 months, according to Healthline
© Puhova Marina
