Texas House Republicans block a Democratic effort on Thursday to honor former Planned Parenthood President Cecile Richards, citing her legacy of overseeing millions of abortions during her leadership. The resolution was part of a larger slate that included tributes to recently deceased U.S. Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee and Trump assassination attempt victim Corey Comperatore, but GOP lawmakers rejected it after learning Richards was included.
Democrat Rep. Donna Howard introduced the measure, HR 236, which intended to honor Richards following her death in January after a battle with brain cancer. However, Republican opposition was swift and public. Rep. Andy Hopper condemned the resolution on social media, writing, “Her legacy is the murder of millions of babies.”
The effort was derailed after Republican members called on their leadership to reject honoring Richards. “Texas will never honor those who mass murder our unborn children,” wrote Rep. Nate Schatzline, celebrating the resolution’s defeat. “Texas is a PRO-LIFE STATE!”
The debate reached the House floor, with GOP lawmakers questioning why a resolution honoring a Planned Parenthood leader was being considered ahead of Easter weekend. “Do you, as speaker, believe it’s appropriate that on Easter weekend we’re honoring Cecile Richards?” asked Rep. Brian Harrison.
Howard and fellow Democrats defended the motion, arguing that House tradition allows for honoring constituents regardless of political or ideological differences. “The Richards family was denied that opportunity,” Howard said.
Richards led Planned Parenthood from 2006 to 2018, overseeing an estimated four million abortions, according to Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America. She expanded the group’s reach and political clout, making Planned Parenthood a powerful force in U.S. abortion politics. Richards also led the organization during the scandal involving allegations of selling fetal tissue, which Planned Parenthood denied.
Before her death, Richards received the Presidential Medal of Freedom from President Joe Biden. She continued her abortion activism until her passing, including a 2024 speech at the DNC where she declared women are “unstoppable” when they have access to abortion.
It is currently unclear when or if the memorial resolution will return for consideration, or if Richards’ name will remain included.
