Olivia Rodrigo Says ‘We Just Have to Fight’ for Reproductive Rights in Planned Parenthood Gala Speech
At Planned Parenthood’s Spring Into Action Gala in New York City last night, Olivia Rodrigo was honored as one of the nonprofit’s two Champion of Change award recipients.
Clad in a white Gucci gown, the singer took the stage to stress how important the fight for reproductive rights remains, particularly during President Donald Trump’s second term, where his administration has withheld millions in federal funding to the Title X family planning programs, including those at Planned Parenthood clinics.
“We live in a world that politicizes our bodies and uses harmful ideologies to deny us safety and healthcare, and it breaks my heart to think that, because of oppressive laws and outdated policies, some of those girls may not get to follow their dreams the way I was able to follow mine,” Rodrigo said.
She spoke about the work she has done to support reproductive freedom, saying, “Just a year ago, fueled by heartbreak and anger over what was happening in the world, I launched my Fund 4 Good, a global initiative that supports local nonprofits, championing reproductive freedom, girls’ education and the prevention of gender-based violence. A portion of my [Guts] Tour proceeds went to the fund, and I’m proud to share that we’ve raised and donated over $2 million to organizations around the world.”
She then applauded Planned Parenthood’s work, saying, “I can’t express how much I admire Planned Parenthood and the life-saving work that they do. Providing affordable healthcare, cancer screenings, birth control, STD testing, and abortion care, amongst so many other things, gives women the autonomy to care for themselves and shape their futures. It’s a privilege to be here tonight to support an organization that, despite countless obstacles, continues to show up with compassion, hope, and dignity for women. My greatest wish is that through organizations like Planned Parenthood and the action of everyday citizens, no woman will need to sacrifice her dreams, her health or humanity because of restrictive laws or lack of resources.”
She ended her speech by honoring Planned Parenthood’s late former president, Cecile Richards—and encouraging the world to channel Richards’s strength and not back down from this fight. “She led at a time of relentless attacks on care and constant efforts to silence and shame women into submission, but Cecile stood her ground, and in doing so, she stood up for millions of us,” Rodrigo said. “I never got the chance to meet her, but her legacy of resilience and decency continues to impact me. She reminds us that standing up for what’s right doesn’t mean we have to be fearless. We can be scared, we can be angry, we can feel hopeless. We just have to fight anyway. Thank you again, so much.”
elle
