Best known for leading Planned Parenthood for 12 years, Cecile Richards has long been a fierce advocate for women’s health and reproductive rights—but her legacy as an activist extends far beyond that role. Her lifelong commitment to social justice continues to inspire us—now it’s your turn to reflect on her legacy. Take the quiz and see how much you know.
1. Cecile was already making waves in middle school—what did she do in seventh grade that got her sent to the principal’s office?
a. She went door to door in her neighborhood to support her mother’s political campaign
b. She led a protest against her school dress code
c. She put stickers on her notebook in support of her mother’s political campaign
d. She wore a black armband to school to protest the Vietnam War
2. Before she became an activist powerhouse, what did Cecile study at Brown University?
a. History
b. Political science
c. Economics
d. Gender and sexuality studies
3. In 2015, during her tenure as Planned Parenthood’s president, Cecile testified before Congress in response to deceptively edited videos that falsely accused the organization of what?
a. Performing illegal abortions
b. Misappropriating funds
c. Selling fetal tissue
d. Engaging in unethical practices
4. After stepping down as president of Planned Parenthood in 2018, Cecile cofounded which women-focused activist organization?
a. National Organization for Women
c. EMILYs list
5. What is the title of Cecile’s memoir?
a. Raising Our Voices: Fighting for Change
b. Make Trouble: Standing Up, Speaking Out, and Finding the Courage to Lead
c. Stand Up, Speak Out: A Memoir of Courage
d. Power and Purpose: A Woman’s Guide to Change
Answer Key: 1. d, 2. a, 3. c, 4. b , 5. B
Top Image: Photo by Teresa Kroeger WireImage
