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Cecile Richards led Planned Parenthood for 12 years, from 2006 to 2018
Cecile Richards, a leading figure in the fight for women’s reproductive rights and other progressive causes, died on Monday at age 67.
“Our hearts are broken today but no words can do justice to the joy she brought to our lives,” a statement from her family confirming her death said. Richard’s family said the activist died at home “surrounded by family and her ever-loyal dog, Ollie.”
Richards, who was diagnosed with glibolastoma, a type of brain tumor, in 2013, was the former president of Planned Parenthood from 2006 to 2018, leading the organization for half of Donald Trump’s first term. At the time, Trump threatened to cut funding to the organization because it performed abortions.
On Monday — the same day as Trump’s second inauguration — Hillary Clinton praised Richards’ life and work.
“America has had few greater advocates for women and reproductive health than Cecile Richards. Her legacy will be the countless lives she touched and the generations of women she inspired to follow in her footsteps,” she wrote in an Instagram post. “I’m thinking of her family and friends today and holding you close to my heart.”
