WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries released the following statement. 

While Cecile Richards may have been born into public service, she affirmatively chose to follow her mother’s footsteps and dedicate her life’s work to the fight for freedom for all Americans. 

As a labor organizer, Cecile helped countless service workers fight for the dignity they deserved and the respect they’d earned. For 12 years, Cecile led Planned Parenthood and fought relentlessly to ensure every woman in America had the freedom to make their own reproductive health care decisions. Before she would go on to bravely and courageously battle cancer, Cecile’s leadership ensured that millions of women had access to basic health care and cancer screenings, despite the partisan political headwinds she constantly faced. Innumerable women and families have benefitted from her grit and determination.

As a trusted advisor and friend to the Honorable Nancy Pelosi, Cecile became a beloved member of the House Democratic Caucus family. With gratitude for her tremendous life of service, our prayers are with Kirk and their beautiful family on this tragic day. May the knowledge that Cecile’s work touched millions of lives be a small comfort during this time of mourning.

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