(DailyChive.com) – President Joe Biden, who frequently identifies as Catholic, awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom to Cecile Richards, the former president of Planned Parenthood, in a private ceremony this week. Richards led the organization from 2006 to 2018, a tenure that, according to pro-life groups, oversaw millions of abortions.
The Medal of Freedom is the highest civilian honor in the United States, meant for individuals who have made exceptional contributions to the country. In a social media post, Biden praised Richards, stating, “With absolute courage, she fearlessly leads us forward to be the America we say we are – a nation of freedom.” He highlighted her advocacy for reproductive rights, workers’ dignity, and voter mobilization as reasons for the award.
The event, however, wasn’t part of Biden’s public schedule. The White House did not stream it live or allow media coverage, raising eyebrows among critics. Details of the ceremony only emerged after the medal had been presented.
Richards’ time at Planned Parenthood wasn’t without controversy. During her leadership, the organization faced allegations of selling body parts from aborted fetuses, though Planned Parenthood has consistently denied these claims. Richards stepped down in 2018 and continues to advocate for abortion rights. Earlier this year, she disclosed that she has incurable brain cancer.
In recent years, Richards has encouraged women to speak openly about their abortions. At this year’s Democratic National Convention, she declared that women become “unstoppable” when given access to abortion rights.
Biden’s support for abortion has long been a point of tension with the Catholic Church, which opposes the practice. In 2019, he was denied Holy Communion at a church in South Carolina over his stance. Following the announcement of Richards’ award, Catholic groups criticized Biden, with one organization saying, “You can’t be Catholic and give awards to Planned Parenthood CEOs.”
Critics like C.J. Doyle of the Catholic Action League didn’t hold back, comparing Biden’s actions to honoring mass murderers. He called on Church leaders to take a stronger stance against the president, even suggesting excommunication.
Under Biden’s leadership, the administration has been described as the most pro-abortion in U.S. history, pushing policies that expand access to abortion through executive orders, federal regulations, and court challenges.
Copyright 2024, DailyChive.com
