In Our Own Voice Statement on the Passing of Former Planned Parenthood Federation of America President Cecile Richards

“We are deeply saddened by the devastating loss of Cecile Richards. As former President of Planned Parenthood Federation of America and Planned Parenthood Action Fund. Cecile was a monumental force in the fight for reproductive health and rights. Her strength and tenacity throughout her decades-long career was guided by her unwavering commitment to reproductive health care and sex education and the right for people to control their own bodies. For over 12 years, Cecile led PPFA through some of the most hostile anti-choice administrations, overseeing our nation’s largest provider of reproductive health services and fiercely defending abortion access, despite countless political attacks and various smear campaigns.

We grieve and mourn the loss of a leader who stood larger than life in the movement for reproductive rights. As we prepare for what may be the most anti-choice federal government we have ever seen, we will remain inspired by Cecile’s life’s work and legacy. We will build on her vision for a better future by working to protect and advance Reproductive Justice policies, despite the current obstacles that we face.”

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In Our Own Voice: National Black Women’s Reproductive Justice Agenda is a national-state partnership focused on lifting up the voices of Black women leaders at the national and regional levels in our fight to secure Reproductive Justice for all women, girls, and gender-expansive individuals. Our eight strategic partners are Black Women for Wellness, Black Women’s Health Imperative, New Voices for Reproductive Justice, SisterLove, Inc. SisterReach, SPARK Reproductive Justice NOW, The Afiya Center and Women With A Vision.