President Joe Biden awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation’s highest civilian honor, to Cecile Richards, former president of Planned Parenthood, during a private ceremony on Wednesday.
The award recognizes individuals who have made exceptional contributions to society.
Biden, who has often referred to himself as a “devout Catholic,” praised Richards for her work in advancing women’s rights, reproductive healthcare, and voter mobilization.
“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,” Biden stated during the ceremony.
He added, “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.”
Richards served as president of Planned Parenthood from 2006 to 2018, overseeing the organization for 12 years. During her tenure, Planned Parenthood became a focal point in national debates over reproductive rights.
The organization provided a range of healthcare services, including contraception, cancer screenings, and abortions. Richards often defended the organization’s work amid political and social scrutiny.
Richards, who announced her departure from Planned Parenthood in 2018, reflected on her time with the organization, saying, “After 12 years, I will be stepping down from my position as president of Planned Parenthood this year.”
After 12 years, I will be stepping down from my position as president of Planned Parenthood this year. pic.twitter.com/L6ttLDjyS1
— Cecile Richards (@CecileRichards) January 26, 2018
She also made headlines for sharing her personal experience with abortion. In a 2014 essay, Richards wrote about her decision to have an abortion, describing it as the right choice for her and her husband at the time.
“I had an abortion. It was the right decision for me and my husband, and it wasn’t a difficult decision,” she said, adding that the experience shaped her advocacy for reproductive rights.
Richards’ advocacy work was inspired in part by her mother, Ann Richards, the late governor of Texas. Cecile Richards has spent decades championing social justice causes, from workers’ rights to women’s health.
Earlier this year, Richards revealed that she had been diagnosed with glioblastoma, an aggressive form of brain cancer. The condition, which also claimed the life of Biden’s son Beau, adds a personal layer to the president’s decision to honor her.
The Presidential Medal of Freedom has historically been awarded to individuals who have made extraordinary contributions in fields such as public service, arts, education, and civil rights.
In July, Biden presented the award to 19 individuals, including former Vice President Al Gore, former Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, and women’s soccer star Megan Rapinoe.
Biden’s decision to honor Richards highlights his administration’s support for reproductive rights and women’s equality, even as the topic remains a divisive issue across the country.