Cecile Richards, former president of Planned Parenthood, dies at 67

Texas-born activist who spent lifetime advocating for abortion rights died after a battle with brain cancer

Cecile Richards, the former president of Planned Parenthood who helped turn the reproductive healthcare giant into a formidable political organization and make support for abortion rights a virtual requirement for Democratic candidates, died on Monday after a battle with brain cancer. She was 67.

This morning our beloved Cecile passed away at home, surrounded by her family and her ever-loyal dog, Ollie," Richards' family wrote in a statement. Our hearts are broken today but no words can do justice to the joy she brought to our lives."