Madelyn Ritter anticipated receiving merchandise at the St Louis performance of Olivia Rodrigo’s Guts tour, but she was pleasantly surprised to also receive complementary emergency contraception.
As she entered the stadium, that’s what she noticed. Adjacent to the ladies’ restrooms, there was a table where attendees could contribute to abortion funds and receive complimentary condoms or emergency contraception (referred to as Plan B).
“I noticed it right away,” stated Ritter, 25 years old and jokingly “too old” to be a fan of the 21-year-old singer. “I was curious and asked about it. They said it was free, so my sister, her friend, and I all decided to take some. I personally don’t require it, but I will keep it handy in case of emergency.”
Rodrigo recently started the Fund 4 Good initiative during her global tour to support the reproductive rights of women and girls. A percentage of concert proceeds will be donated to the fund. In collaboration with the National Network of Abortion Funds, Rodrigo partnered with local chapters at different tour locations.
Ritter expressed that while many singers may take a stance on social issues, he has never witnessed anything quite like this.
Missouri enforces a ban on abortion, with the exception being in cases of a life-threatening emergency for the pregnant individual. In addition, Missouri Republicans are pushing to strip funding from Planned Parenthood, an organization that offers essential reproductive health services such as STI testing and contraception within the state.
The individuals manning the table visited by Ritter were from “Right By You,” a text message service that caters to the needs of young people in Missouri by providing them with access to abortions outside the state, birth control, information about their rights, and support from the Missouri Abortion Fund to cover the expenses of obtaining an out-of-state abortion.
Stephanie Kraft Sheley, director of Right By You’s project, stated in an interview with the Guardian that Rodrigo had not made a specific request for the organization to distribute emergency contraception. While she did extend an invitation, it was ultimately the organization’s decision to provide and distribute it. Sheley expressed her gratitude towards Rodrigo and believes that other artists can make a positive impact by following this example.
Similar to Ritter, numerous attendees of concerts were skeptical about the availability of the pill at no cost, with prices reaching up to $50. According to Sheley, there are always individuals who inquire about obtaining emergency contraception and may ask about the steps required or if it is genuinely free. Sometimes, it may be necessary to reiterate multiple times that it is indeed free. When they finally understand that they are being taken care of and that someone wants to assist them, it brings a sense of relief, which is ultimately the goal of our presence.
Musicians often use their performances during their tours to raise awareness and advocate for different societal issues. A group called HeadCount, which assists fans in registering to vote, has joined forces with popular artists such as Billie Eilish, Lizzo, Ariana Grande, Harry Styles, and Rodrigo. (At the 2022 Glastonbury performance, Rodrigo took a stand against the repeal of Roe v Wade and directly addressed the conservative supreme court justices by saying, “We hate you.”) These initiatives seldom go to the extent of providing free emergency birth control.
However, with the 2024 election period growing more chaotic, half-hearted activism may seem insincere and insubstantial. On Super Tuesday, Taylor Swift shared an Instagram story encouraging her followers to “vote for the individuals who best represent YOUR interests in positions of power”. This request received a mix of responses online, with some followers feeling let down by the ambiguous and hesitant language.
“I place a great deal of importance on the individuals and causes that I choose to support,” stated Ritter. “I am pleased to know that my financial contributions align with my personal values.”
Although commonly referred to as Plan B, the emergency contraceptive pills distributed at Rodrigo’s concert are actually produced by a startup called Julie. A representative from Julie stated that their goal is to modernize the morning-after pill for a younger demographic. Basically, they have rebranded the packaging to be more visually appealing and less clinical in comparison to other options.
The representative stated that it is important for us to replace the negative perceptions and embarrassment surrounding emergency contraception with opportunities for access, understanding, and learning. They expressed gratitude towards artists such as Olivia Rodrigo and organizations like the Missouri Abortion Fund for aligning with our goals.
Lizz Winstead is the creator of the Abortion Access Front, a charitable organization dedicated to advocating for reproductive rights across the United States. She commended Rodrigo for highlighting the efforts of local groups who are actively working in St. Louis.
She stated that this allows them to supply resources and products, such as emergency contraception, featuring their own branding and contact details. At her events, everyone can learn who to turn to for assistance. Even after Olivia is no longer around, those who attend her shows will know how and where to seek help in their local communities, building long-term support. This is exactly what we need at this time.
Rodrigo will be performing in Nebraska on Wednesday night, a state that enforces an abortion ban lasting 12 weeks with only a few exceptions.
Activists have made multiple attempts to include abortion on Missouri’s ballot for voters to decide since it became illegal in the state. According to a recent survey, a slight majority of Missouri voters support reproductive rights.
Ritter, a women’s health nurse in St. Louis, is very concerned about reproductive rights. In her role, she has provided misoprostol, a medication often used in abortions, to women experiencing miscarriages. Recent legislation in certain states with strict abortion laws has led to heightened attention on miscarriages, causing worry about possible legal repercussions.
“I have supported women through their toughest moments, and it’s appalling to think that we do not have the autonomy to choose what happens with our own bodies,” stated Ritter. “As a nurse and a compassionate advocate for women’s healthcare, I will be attending another Olivia Rodrigo concert.”
Source: theguardian.com
