Former Planned Parenthood president, women's rights activist Cecile Richards has died at 67

Cecile Richards, a national leader for women’s rights who led Planned Parenthood for 12 tumultuous years, has died. She was 67. According to a family statement, Richards died Monday at home surrounded by relatives and her “ever-loyal dog, Ollie.” Richards, the daughter of the late Texas Gov. Ann Richards, was diagnosed with glioblastoma, an aggressive form of brain cancer, in 2023, five years after leaving Planned Parenthood. As the nation's leading abortion provider, Planned Parenthood has long been a lightning rod for debate, and Richards played a prominent role in pushing back against criticism during her tenure and beyond. She spoke at the Democratic National Convention in August and in November was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom.