Planned Parenthood President Cecile Richards Announces Search To Replace Her in 2018

Planned Parenthood President Cecile Richards Announces Search To Replace Her in 2018

Cecile Richards sent spasms of concern through the hearts of progressive women, announcing that she will leave her position as president of Planned Parenthood later this year. As The Trump Administration launches a full frontal assault against Planned Parenthood 45 years after the Supreme Court affirmed a woman's right to abortion, a new leader will step into the limelight. 

The New York Times writes that the move is well timed for her to promote a new memoir: "Make Trouble: Standing Up, Speaking Out, and Finding the Courage to Lead — My Life Story" due out in April. 

Richards says she's not running for any office and plans on pouring herself into the midterm elections, fund-raising, campaigning for Democrats and advising the record number of women candidates. 

"She has really helped put a face on the position," explained Democratic Senator Patty Murray, adding that Richards is "unfazed by the horrendous, awful, negative attacks." Tapped to lead Planned Parenthood in 2006, Richards was then deputy chief of staff to Representative Nancy Pelosi from California. Under her leadership, Planned Parenthood's base of volunteers and suporters has grown from 2.5 million to 11 million. Since Trump's victory over Hillary Clinton, Planned Parenthood has added 700,000 new donors. 

Living in New York, Richards was also effective in winning over billionaire donors like Michael R. Bloomberg, the former mayor of New York and a major supporter of Planned Parenthood.