As the first new CEO of Planned Parenthood North Central States since the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, Ruth Richardson says equity in health care access is her focus. People from states surrounding Minnesota with the means and ability to travel have been coming here for abortion care, she says. “We are doing the work of breaking down barriers for people to be able to get access to the health care that, frankly, is health care they need.” On Sept. 1, 2023, Richardson resigned from her other post as a state representative in the Minnesota House to focus exclusively on Planned Parenthood. She is the first Black woman to serve as the local organization’s CEO. The organization serves more than 100,000 patients each year, operating 28 health centers plus telehealth options.

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