Cecile Richards, President of Planned Parenthood Federation of America, Statement on the Passing of Dr. Benjamin Hooks

“As a member of the Leadership Conference on Civil Rights (LCCR), Planned Parenthood Federation of America (PPFA) joins in the mourning of Dr. Benjamin Hooks’ passing.  America lost a leader who was guided by one defining principle: doing what was right.  He led the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) with the understanding that treating all people fairly under the law would advance America.  In today’s battles — whether it’s over health care or education — we should all remember Dr. Hooks’ life and lessons.”

Planned Parenthood is the nation’s leading sexual and reproductive health care provider and advocate. We believe that everyone has the right to choose when or whether to have a child, and that every child should be wanted and loved. Planned Parenthood affiliates operate nearly 800 health centers nationwide, providing medical services and sexuality education for millions of women, men, and teenagers each year. We also work with allies worldwide to ensure that all women and men have the right and the means to meet their sexual and reproductive health care needs.