'May He have mercy': 4 reactions to death of fmr. Planned Parenthood President Cecile Richards

Barack Obama, Lila Rose offer condolences, prayer for her soul

By Samantha Kamman, Christian Post Reporter Wednesday, January 22, 2025

Former President Barack Obama

Former President Barack Obama praised the former Planned Parenthood president for pushing for the inclusion of abortion coverage and free birth control in Obamacare. In a Monday statement commemorating Richards, the 44th president described her as someone who “dedicated her life to protecting and expanding women’s rights.” 

“Women of all ages knew they could count on Cecile, and Michelle and I will always be grateful for her advocacy. We send all our love to Kirk, Lily, Hannah, Daniel, and all those who loved and admired her,” Obama continued, expressing condolences to Richards’ family. 

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In 2013, Obama spoke at a Planned Parenthood conference, making him the first sitting U.S. president to address the nation’s largest abortion provider. The Christian Post reported at the time that Obama’s speech, which he initially canceled, occurred as abortionist Kermit Gosnell faced charges for the deaths of multiple infants born alive at his unsanitary Philadelphia facility. 

During his remarks at the 2013 Planned Parenthood National Conference, Obama commended the organization for providing “lifesaving preventive care, like cancer screenings and health counseling.” He also called on God to bless the abortion business. 

Richards testified under oath in 2015 before a House Oversight & Government Reform hearing that Planned Parenthood does not provide mammograms, conflicting with past statements from the organization’s former president. Supporters of Planned Parenthood, including Obama, had also claimed that the business offered mammograms. 

Over the years, Planned Parenthood’s annual reports have also shown a decline in healthcare services but an increase in abortions and the amount of money the organization receives from the federal government. Planned Parenthood is also generating profits by dispensing cross-sex hormones to gender-confused youth.