Cecile Richards – Planned Parenthood

In 2017, women’s health care remains a contentious topic, specifically women’s reproductive health care. Roe V Wade is being challenged regularly, and states have been allowed some leniency to chip away at the foundation of one of the most significant court rulings in history. Many states are passing or considering legislation that defy the spirit of the landmark decision by restricting or even banning abortion or denying access to birth control, thus subsequently removing the right to choose from the woman and her family, and handing it to the politicians. In times of trials or times of change, leaders emerge. I strongly admire women and men standing up to the policy makers who are systematically working to unravel the progress made in women’s rights.

Planned Parenthood is an organization that has consistently been an advocate for women’s rights, as prominently stated in their mission statement, “We believe that reproductive self-determination must be voluntary and preserve the individual's right to privacy. We further believe that such self-determination will contribute to an enhancement of the quality of life and strong family relationships.” (plannedparenthood.org) Planned Parenthood began over 100 years ago when Margaret Sanger opened a birth control clinic in Brooklyn. Though the clinic was shut down a few short days later, Margaret remained vigilant in creating a space for women to receive birth control and reproductive health education. Today, as President and CEO of Planned Parenthood Cecile Richards continues the legacy of Margaret Sanger, by providing and advocating for women’s access to health care around the world.

Cecile Richards has long-seeded roots in organizing and political activism. Her resume is an unwavering symbol of her commitment to others. As a labor organizer, she worked with low-wage workers to form unions and lobby for better wages, benefits, and equitable treatment of employees. Prior to joining Planned Parenthood, she also worked as deputy chief of staff to Nanci Pelosi, the first female speaker of the House of Representatives and served as the president of America Votes, a national coalition intent on advancing progressive policies and increasing voter turnout and voter education.

Throughout her career, Cecile Richards has continuously displayed compassion, tenacity, and commitment to serve people. As Planned Parenthood is regularly attacked and threatened by defunding, she frequently (and eloquently) faces off with advisories, always bringing the focus full-circle, back to the people she stands up for. "If you want to make real social change, you have to be willing for folks to fight you on it. You just have to move forward on the things you believe in." (glamour.com) Her advocacy is rooted in the belief that all people should have access to affordable, quality healthcare and that for women, this includes birth control and reproductive health. She believes that all people should have the right to privacy and autonomy when it comes to decisions about their own bodies. She is not faced with the struggles of being a low-income woman without access to healthcare, yet she advocates on behalf of them every day, acting in the interest of the common good rather than her own self-interest. This display is the cornerstone of servant leadership.

Cecile Richards embodies servant leadership in many ways. According to Weiss, additional aspects of servant leadership include; (1) listening to others, (2) inspiring through trust, (3) working towards feasible goals, and (4) helping others whenever possible. (Weiss, 2015) Planned Parenthood is an inclusive organization. As a representative of Planned Parenthood, Cecile Richards has developed a public image that includes supporting diversity, and being a safe space for people to seek health care and sexual education regardless of their gender identity, income, or sexual orientation. Recognizing the limited availability of resources for members of the LGTBQ community, Planned Parenthood has expanded their services to provide more care specific to issues that this community faces.

Richards continuously and consistently listens not to the policy makers, but to the people in which her organization serves. “The anti-women’s health agenda of this Congress is a political game. To our patients, the outcome is real life.”