AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler issued the following statement following the death of former Planned Parenthood President Cecile Richards:
I join all those who are celebrating the life and mourning the loss of Cecile Richards.
Cecile was a relentless champion for equity and justice, and her leadership inspired generations to keep fighting for a better world. She was an incredible advocate, a sharp strategist and an even better communicator. She was fierce when she had to be and always had her eye on the goal—to improve people’s lives, increase access to quality health care and reproductive services, and ensure all of us can care for ourselves and our families.
Cecile began her career in the labor movement, working with janitors, garment workers, and nursing home workers to fight for their rights on the job and to join a union. She was an organizer’s organizer—living our values and putting them into action. She believed in the power of public service and was a mentor to countless women who sought to use their power to amplify the voices of those living on the margin.
She was our sister. Standing with us again and again in solidarity.
My thoughts are with her husband, Kirk, children, Lily, Hannah and Daniel; grandson, Teddy; and all her family and loved ones as they face this devastating loss.
Contact: Mia Jacobs, 202-637-5018