‘Women Have Become the Most Important Political Force in America’ Richards Says
Cecile Richards is set to resign as president of Planned Parenthood and its activism arm, Planned Parenthood Action Fund, according to Buzzfeed. Richards has been the face of the reproductive health services and pro-choice non-profits for 12 years, and has led them successfully through unyielding attacks from the GOP and religious right.
Buzzfeed, which first reported the news, notes “Richards greatly expanded the organization’s fundraising and organizing capabilities — and helped raise the its profile through celebrity-oriented campaigns and increased political participation. Over the past decade in particular, Democrats have further embraced abortion rights as a central part of the party’s platform — a shift that can be credited in large part to Planned Parenthood’s increased prominence under Richards.”
Planned Parenthood told Buzzfeed that “Cecile plans to discuss 2018 and the next steps for Planned Parenthood’s future at the upcoming board meeting,” next week.
After a weekend of women’s marches and Power to the Polls rallies across the country this past weekend, on Monday Richards told MSNBC’s Lawrence O’Donnell that “women have become the most important political force in America.”
And she made clear that women are working hard to run for office and register others to vote.
“Women are feeling their power in a new way and it’s incredibly energizing and exciting.”
What’s next for Richards? Aside from a new book that launches in April, it could be anything.
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