It’s Cecile Richards’ last day at Planned Parenthood, and so many women are tweeting their thanks to her
It’s officially the end of an era — this is Cecile Richards’ last day at Planned Parenthood, and it’s almost overwhelming to see the difference she made in the lives of so many women.
Having strong roots in progressive politics, Richards has led a life dedicated to activism. When she was just 16, she helped her mom build the campaign for Sarah Weddington, the attorney responsible for winning Roe v. Wade, which allowed women safe and legal access to abortions (her mother, Ann Richards, was the 45th Governor of Texas).
As the president of Planned Parenthood, Richards worked tirelessly to secure funding to help women have affordable access to pregnancy care, STI tests, birth control, and health screenings. She chose to step down after 12 years. Here’s what she had to say about her decision:
"It's hard to leave, but I'm ready to step aside and have someone else take on the responsibilities at a time where I think we're incredibly strong in this country," she said on an April 2nd episode of CBS This Morning.
To honor her time with the organization, women across the country are paying tribute with the hashtag #ThankYouCecile.
Here are just some of the most heartfelt messages.
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https://twitter.com/udfredirect/status/990956009165336576
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@CecileRichards has been an incredible champion in the fight for women’s health and an exemplary leader of Planned Parenthood. I appreciate her commitment to quality, affordable health care in the face of relentless attacks. #ThankYouCecile I can’t wait to see what you do next!
— Senator Dianne Feinstein (@SenFeinstein) April 30, 2018
Rallying in the snow, traveling the country to meet Planned Parenthood doctors & clinicians, standing up to 5 hours of grilling from politicians — whatever she was doing, @CecileRichards pushed the mission of Planned Parenthood forward. We are all so grateful. #ThankYouCecile pic.twitter.com/TwrX3vIKw6
— Dawn Laguens (@dawnlaguens) April 30, 2018
Today is @cecilerichards’ last day as president of Planned Parenthood. #ThankYouCecile for giving me my first job as a speechwriter and for lifting up and encouraging young women in every meeting, on every call, every day for the last 12 years. pic.twitter.com/GkkddupsaO
— Lauren Peterson (@lcollinsp) April 30, 2018
After 12 years, today is @CecileRichards last day as our fearless leader at Planned Parenthood.#ThankYouCecile for your courage, for being an inspiration, for never giving up and for pushing us all to do the same. pic.twitter.com/YEXtnltggP
— Madeleine Ellis (@ellismads) April 30, 2018
#ThankYouCecile for being a badass woman in charge, for refusing to compromise on our rights, and for standing up with poise, humor, and grace against every single challenge. @PPFA has literally saved lives because of your spine of steel. I’m proud to be a donor & a patient.
— Amanda Litman (@amandalitman) April 30, 2018
https://twitter.com/udfredirect/status/990943155288727552
One of the bravest women I know is @CecileRichards. On behalf of a generation of women who watched you lead in awe- #ThankYouCecile
— reshmasaujani (@reshmasaujani) April 30, 2018
After an amazing 12 years as the fearless leader of @PPact, my former boss & forever heroine @CecileRichards is moving on to her next big adventure. I can't wait to see what's next! #ThankYouCecile for teaching me how to #maketrouble & for fighting for all of us. pic.twitter.com/fis8fPsXDo
— Mini Timmaraju (@mintimm) April 30, 2018
While Richards hasn’t announced what her next move will be, she told CBS that running for office wasn’t completely off the table. She also recently released a book entitled Make Trouble: Standing Up, Speaking Out, and Finding the Courage to Lead — My Life Story, which is a must-read for anyone who’s inspired by the impact she’s made.
We also want to take this opportunity to thank Cecile Richards for her service, and for being such a strong force for women everywhere.