‘Devout Catholic’ Joe Biden Awards Medal of Freedom to Former President of Planned Parenthood

Joe Biden has awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom to the former president of the abortion provider Planned Parenthood.

Biden, who likes to describe himself as a “devout Catholic,” awarded Cecile Richards the medal during a private ceremony on Wednesday.

“Carrying her parents’ torch for justice, she’s led some of our Nation’s most important civil rights causes – to lift up the dignity of workers, defend and advance women’s reproductive rights and equality, and mobilize Americans to exercise their power to vote,” Biden reportedly said during the ceremony.

“A leader of utmost character, she has carved an inspiring legacy that endures in her incredible family, the countless lives she has made better, and a Nation seeking the light of equality, justice, and freedom.”

Today, I had the honor of awarding Cecile Richards the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

With absolute courage, she fearlessly leads us forward to be the America we say we are – a nation of freedom.

Through her work to lift up the dignity of workers, defend and advance women’s… pic.twitter.com/IayCTAFK4N

— President Biden (@POTUS) November 20, 2024

Richards left Planned Parenthood in 2018 after serving as its president for 12 years. Under her leadership, millions of babies were aborted that might otherwise have had a chance at life.

After 12 years, I will be stepping down from my position as president of Planned Parenthood this year. pic.twitter.com/L6ttLDjyS1

— Cecile Richards (@CecileRichards) January 26, 2018

Richards, who is the daughter of the former Texas Governor Ann Richards, revealed earlier this year she had been diagnosed with glioblastoma, an aggressive form of brain cancer.

It also happens to be the same condition that killed Biden’s late son Beau.

Her interest in abortion was partially the result of having had one herself, which she said at the time was “wasn’t a difficult decision.”

“I had an abortion. It was the right decision for me and my husband, and it wasn’t a difficult decision,” Richards wrote back in 2014.

“Before becoming president of Planned Parenthood eight years ago, I hadn’t really talked about it beyond family and close friends.”

“But I’m here to say, when politicians argue and shout about abortion, they’re talking about me — and millions of other women around the country.”

The Presidential Medal of Freedom remains America’s highest civilian honor and is typically reserved for those who have made extraodinary contributions to society.

Back in July, Biden awarded the medal to 19 separate people, including former Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, former Vice President Al Gore and the women’s soccer star Megan Rapinoe.