President Biden awarded on Wednesday the Presidential Medal of Freedom to Cecile Richards, an abortion rights activist and former president of Planned Parenthood.
During a private ceremony, Biden said Richards has “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.”
Richards left Planned Parenthood in 2018 after leading the organization for 12 years, where she worked to increase affordable access to reproductive health care and helped push the Democratic Party to embrace abortion rights as a key issue.
After her departure, she co-founded a progressive organization called Supermajority that fights for gender equity. Richards also serves as co-chair of the super PAC American Bridge 21st Century.
Richards was diagnosed in 2023 with a glioblastoma, a rare and aggressive form of brain tumor. The average glioblastoma survival time is only 12 to 18 months.
Biden’s son Beau died from glioblastoma in 2015.
The Medal of Freedom is given at the discretion of the president to a civilian who has made an “especially meritorious contribution” to the country.
“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,” Biden said of Richards.
Richards is the daughter of Ann Richards, who was the first woman to be elected governor of Texas.
Biden has previously awarded the medal to dozens of people, including civil rights icons, prominent political leaders like former Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D), Rep. James Clyburn (D-S.C.), gymnast Simone Biles and actor Michelle Yeoh.
