OPINION:
There’s been no shortage of outrage over President Biden’s decision to bestow the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation’s highest civilian honor, on Cecile Richards, the former president of Planned Parenthood.
The frustration is understandable, considering Ms. Richards has long been one of the fiercest proponents of abortion. She recently called it an “honor” to push for the right to the life-ending procedure.
And over the years, Ms. Richards has sought to destigmatize abortion, using her own story in an effort to help people feel more comfortable with the contentious issue.
“Many years ago, I chose to have an abortion,” she once wrote on social media. “I wasn’t the survivor of rape or incest, my life wasn’t at risk — I was simply a mom of three kids and had become unexpectedly pregnant. I had an abortion in Texas [and] went on to live my life. No dramatic story, no shame, just the facts.”
These sorts of statements and this kind of legacy create the perfect storm to spark furor. But Mr. Biden’s ceremony granting Ms. Richards this honor also ruffled feathers for another reason: It eschewed the typical pattern of how the Presidential Medal of Freedom is granted.
Rather than a public ceremony with reporters and others present, Ms. Richards’ award wasn’t on Mr. Biden’s calendar and unfolded outside the public eye. Despite the initial secrecy, Mr. Biden later took to social media to express his “honor” in granting Ms. Richards the distinction.
“With absolute courage, she fearlessly leads us forward to be the America we say we are – a nation of freedom,” the president wrote on X. “Through her work 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, she has carved an inspiring legacy.”
The internet immediately reacted to Mr. Biden’s proclamation, with one critic writing, “There’s nothing like getting an award for murdering babies; what a legacy.” Another added, “This is vile and a complete embarrassment.” And those were some of the tamer responses.
For many in the pro-life movement, it was absolutely stomach-churning to see the president herald someone for being “fearless” and a beacon of “freedom” when that person’s sole goal has centered on bolstering the systematic slaughter of innocents.
And his talk of “dignity, “equality” and an “inspiring legacy” in light of the millions of babies killed under Ms. Richards’ tenure is Orwelliant
But what some might be missing in the bowels of the ever-churning outrage machine is a story I’ve followed since January. At that time, Ms. Richards announced she has incurable glioblastoma, an aggressive brain cancer.
It’s a heartbreaking diagnosis that saddens me. But I was also struck by something she said about her priorities.
“In my experience, having cancer doesn’t suddenly fill you with profound insights on life,” Ms. Richards wrote. “What it does is make it really clear what’s important. And there is no more important work right now than the fight for abortion rights.”
This was a gut-wrenching proclamation. At a time when one’s mortality is before them, the notion that abortion would be what matters most is truly sobering. In 2024, Ms. Richards has lived that out, working to continue advancing abortion rights and to support Vice President Kamala Harris in her failed bid for the White House.
I wish we saw Ms. Richards say that “what’s important” is something deeper — a connection with her Creator and a reflective look at helping turn people to what is right, good, moral and true. Rather than a pledge to dig in her heels and continue pressing people toward the tragedy of abortion, I would hope this diagnosis had sparked reflection and a course reversal.
Please understand: I’m not writing this to demean or disparage Ms. Richards. Quite the contrary, I truly believe in the depths of my soul that we need to all take a step back, breathe, reflect, see Ms. Richards as being made in God’s image — and show profound compassion.
We must take our righteous anger and frustration over the abortion issue and the work she has done, place it to the side and pray for her to have clarity and a changed heart. And we must also ask God for mercy as she experiences one of the most tragic and difficult circumstances and fights for her life.
Mary Szoch, director of the Center for Human Dignity at the Family Research Council, recently said it best when discussing these very ideals.
“Each of us should pray daily for Cecile Richard’s healing — not just of her body, but also of her soul,” she wrote. “We should pray for her to repent. We know that conversion is real — Saul became Paul. Our God is a loving and forgiving Father, and there is no sin too great for His mercy.
“Let us pray for a miracle — for Cecile Richards to recognize her role in championing the culture of death, to repent, to spend her last moments fighting for the unborn, and to one day receive a reward far greater than the Presidential Medal of Freedom.”
This reaction is spot-on. The furor over Ms. Richards has had me thinking much deeper about redemption, forgiveness and truth, especially in the holiday season.
We’re at a curious time right now in America, as we navigate the aftermath of one of the most contentious presidential elections in history. Emotions remain elevated as individuals and families prepare to be around one another for the holidays.
But while we’re readying to sit down and eat with families and, no doubt, deal with some difficult people with whom we disagree (even in our own families), are we asking God to bless those with whom we disagree? Are we praying for them and seeking their peace?
Whether it’s friends, family, acquaintances or distant political figures, this posture will help heal not only our individual hearts but also our collective nation. So, pray for Ms. Richards, friends, family and even strangers — that the peace and knowledge of God will transform them. Because that’s our ultimate hope.
• Billy Hallowell is a digital TV host and interviewer for Faithwire and CBN News and the co-host of CBN’s “Quick Start Podcast.” He is the author of four books.
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