President Joe Biden awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom to former Planned Parenthood president Cecile Richards.
Richards is the daughter of former Texas Governor Ann Richards.
During the private ceremony, Biden said, “With absolute courage and conviction, Cecile Richards fearlessly leads us forward to be the America we say we are – a Nation of freedom. Carrying her parents’ torch for justice, she’s led some of our Nation’s most important civil rights causes – to lift up the dignity of workers, defend and advance women’s reproductive rights and equality, and mobilize Americans to exercise their power to vote. 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.”
A similar statement was shared on social media following the ceremony: “Today, I had the honor of awarding Cecile Richards the Presidential Medal of Freedom. With absolute courage, she fearlessly leads us forward to be the America we say we are – a nation of freedom. Through her work to lift up the dignity of workers, defend and advance women’s reproductive rights and equality, and mobilize Americans to exercise their power to vote, she has carved an inspiring legacy.”
“Such an honor representing abortion rights and the need for health care for all,” Richards said. “[Biden] and [First Lady Jill Biden], thank you for all you’ve done to support women’s health and rights. Here’s to the work ahead!”
Richards left Planned Parenthood in 2018 after serving as its president for 12 years.
Biden previously awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom to Olympians Simone Biles, Megan Rapinoe, and Katie Ledecky, former Vice President Al Gore, former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, and others.
Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America condemned the award. “Under Cecile Richards, Planned Parenthood ended more than 3.8 million unborn lives and was caught harvesting baby body parts for sale,” the organization wrote on X. “Where is the ‘freedom’ for babies & moms? It’s time to end Planned Parenthood’s taxpayer-funded ride.”
