Former Planned Parenthood president Cecile Richards was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Joe Biden in a private ceremony on Wednesday.

Biden praised Richards for her supposed leadership, stating she has “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,” according to The Hill.

Richards, who led Planned Parenthood for 12 years until 2018, co-founded the organization Supermajority and serves as co-chair of the super PAC American Bridge 21st Century.

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

During her tenure at Planned Parenthood, Richards worked to expand “affordable access to reproductive health care” and played a key role in pushing the Democratic Party to prioritize abortion rights, The Hill reported.

Biden added, “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.” The Presidential Medal of Freedom is awarded to civilians who have made an “especially meritorious contribution” to the United States.

However, the honor sparked backlash from pro-life advocates. Brian Burch, president of CatholicVote, told The Washington Times, “This honor marks a dark chapter in the late stages of one of the darkest presidencies in American history when it comes to protecting mothers and unborn children. Planned Parenthood has used billions of taxpayer dollars to profit from the tragic extermination of millions of children, while exploiting the health and wellbeing of countless women.”

Emily Erin Davis, vice president of communications for Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America, criticized the decision, saying, “Under Cecile Richards, Planned Parenthood ended more than 3.8 million unborn lives and was caught harvesting baby body parts for sale. Where is the ‘freedom’ for babies and moms? It’s time to end Planned Parenthood’s taxpayer-funded ride.”

Richards and Planned Parenthood faced significant controversy in 2015 after undercover videos showed senior staff discussing monetary exchanges for fetal tissue used in medical research. Richards apologized, and the organization modified its policies related to fetal tissue donations. Selling fetal tissue for profit remains illegal in the U.S.