Planned Parenthood has always boasted close ties to the media – but not this close. A media figure is now in charge of finding the next president for America’s largest abortion provider.
In a Wednesday press release, Planned Parenthood Federation of America announced that its president, Cecile Richards, would step down from her position in May. Board chair Naomi Aberly named those conducting the “search” to replace her “outstanding and dynamic leadership.” That included former New York Times and Newsweek op-ed columnist Anna Quindlen.
Aberly congratulated Quindlen, a columnist and author who has previously served as a Planned Parenthood board member.
“We couldn’t be more excited that Anna has taken on this important role,” praised Aberly. “Anna’s unique voice on behalf of women has motivated us for decades. The board is grateful for her willingness to help us find our future leader.”
Other members of the “Search Committee” came from Planned Parenthood:
Aimee Boone Cunningham, PPFA Board of Directors
Cathy Hampton, Vice-chair, PPFA Board of Directors
Iris Harvey, CEO of Planned Parenthood of Greater Ohio; PPFA Board of Directors
Kiki McLean, Secretary, PP Action Fund Board of Directors
Luz Towns-Miranda, PP Action Fund Board of Directors
Mark Nichols, MD, PPFA Board of Directors
Sarah Stoesz, CEO, Planned Parenthood Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota; PPFA Board of Directors
Lillian Tamayo, CEO, Planned Parenthood of South, East, and North Florida
Carmen Rita Wong, PPFA Board of Directors
In the media, writers for The Huffington Post and Rewire are calling for a “black woman” or a “woman of color” to replace Richards. This comes after Richards scolded white women at the Women’s March rally in Las Vegas.
Richards’ departure date coincides with the publishing of her upcoming memoir. Media have already begun to mourn her loss and express hope that she runs for office. In contrast, leaders of the pro-life movement noted the “trail of misery” “this most devoted practitioner” of abortion leaves, including 3.8 million lives destroyed in abortion during her twelve years at Planned Parenthood.
According to Planned Parenthood’s most recently published annual report, the organization performed 321,384 abortions and received $543.7 million in “government health services, reimbursements & grants” for the year 2016 – 2017.
