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President Joe Biden awarded Cecile Richards, the former president of Planned Parenthood, the Presidential Medal of Freedom on November 20 in a private ceremony, according to the White House. Richards is known for her work as a progressive activist and is the daughter of the late Texas Governor Ann Richards. She led Planned Parenthood, the largest abortion provider in the United States, for 12 years until she stepped down in 2018. Earlier this year, Richards announced her diagnosis with glioblastoma, an aggressive brain cancer that also claimed the life of Biden's son Beau.
Biden shared on X, formerly Twitter: “Today, I had the honor of awarding Cecile Richards the Presidential Medal of Freedom.” He praised her leadership and advocacy for workers' dignity, women's reproductive rights and equality, and voter mobilization efforts. "With absolute courage, she fearlessly leads us forward to be the America we say we are — a nation of freedom," he stated.
The Presidential Medal of Freedom is recognized as the highest civilian honor in the United States. Father Greg Boyle, founder and director of Homeboy Industries, and former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi were among others who received this award from Biden earlier this year.
Richards expressed her gratitude on social media: “Such an honor representing abortion rights and the need for health care for all.”
Biden's administration has experienced tensions with U.S. bishops due to its policies on abortion and gender identity. However, some bishops have commended his policies concerning refugees and climate change. His stance on immigration has elicited mixed reactions from church officials.
The Catholic Church maintains that human life is sacred from conception to natural death and opposes direct abortion. Following the Supreme Court’s decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization in 2022, church leaders have reiterated their concern for both mothers and children while advocating for increased support for those facing poverty or other challenges leading women towards abortion.
Kate Scanlon reports nationally for OSV News from Washington. Follow her updates on X @kgscanlon.
