Richards, the eldest daughter of Gov. Ann Richards, forged her own path as a tireless advocate for women across Texas and the United States.

From former President Barack Obama to pro-life leaders like Lila Rose, activists on both sides of the abortion debate have reacted to the death of Cecile Richards, with many offering prayers for the

"Our hearts are broken today but no words can do justice to the joy she brought to our lives," her family said in a post on social media.