Planned Parenthood Mourns the Death of Columnist Molly Ivins
For Immediate Release: Jan. 30, 2014
Statement by Cecile Richards
President, Planned Parenthood Federation of America
New York, NY — “It was with great sadness that we learned the news last night that Molly Ivins had died.
“Molly was a truth teller in the best tradition. An unabashed liberal, she tackled politics and in particular the Texas state legislature with an eye for the humorous and the ridiculous, all the while underscoring her love for democracy, the First Amendment, and the basic decency of people. Molly was a lifelong advocate for women's rights, reproductive rights and Planned Parenthood. She was an outspoken critic of politicians who meddle in the health care decisions of women and families. And maybe most importantly, she gave a voice to our clients and to women around the world whose lives have been affected by policies that limit access to family planning and other critical health care services.
“Molly was an enormous personality, whom I had the privilege of growing up with — on canoe trips on the Guadalupe River, on campouts in the Texas hill country, protesting the Vietnam war, and at every important liberal gathering in the state of Texas.
“Beneath her public persona, she loved dogs, almost to a fault; and she encouraged all young people she came in contact with to go forth and do good. She made Texas progressives proud and inspired us to have the courage to stand and fight.
“If you never had the joy of hearing her speak or being around her irrepressible personality, read the wonderful tribute to her in today’s Austin American Statesman. (https://www.statesman.com/) Or better yet, read her final column, with her rallying cry to all to end the war in Iraq. (https://www.creators.com/read/molly-ivins/01/07/stand-up-against-the-surge-965b28d2) We will miss you, Molly.”