Pop sensation Olivia Rodrigo made headlines during her tour stop Tuesday in St. Louis, Missouri, where she took a bold stance on reproductive rights by collaborating with abortion care groups, who distributed free emergency contraceptives and condoms to attendees.
This move comes amidst Missouri's stringent abortion laws, which have faced increased scrutiny following the overturn of Roe v. Wade in 2022.
Olivia Rodrigo Invites Reproductive Care Assistance Groups
Fans who attended Rodrigo's 'Guts' concert at the Enterprise Center on Tuesday night were surprised to find tables set up by local organizations, offering emergency contraceptive pills, stickers, and information about abortion care in the state.
The Missouri Abortion Fund, a group providing financial assistance to those in need of abortion care, expressed gratitude to Rodrigo for her collaboration.
"Thank you to [Olivia Rodrigo] for allowing us to table at your STL GUTS world tour stop! It's brutal out here in Missouri!" the organization's post read.
Rodrigo, who is a vocal supporter of women's reproductive rights, took to Instagram to announce that a portion of ticket sales from the St. Louis show would be donated to the Missouri Abortion Fund and Right By You, an organization facilitating access to abortion, birth control, and reproductive care in Missouri.
Stephanie Kraft Sheley, project director of Right By You, clarified that while Olivia Rodrigo extended an invitation to collaborate, it was ultimately the organization's decision to bring and distribute emergency contraception.
"She invited us, but it was our decision to bring it and hand it out," Sheley affirmed.
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Olivia Rodrigo's Advocacy Spotlights Reproductive Rights Battle
While Rodrigo's advocacy has been praised by many, it also reflects the ongoing battle over reproductive rights in the United States.
Since the fall of Roe v. Wade, numerous states, including Missouri, have implemented restrictive abortion laws, severely limiting access to reproductive healthcare.
The initiative aligns with her newly launched Fund 4 Good, which aims to support women, girls, and individuals seeking reproductive health rights.
Rodrigo's actions come at a crucial time, as activists continue to fight against eroding reproductive rights across the country.
The response from concertgoers has been overwhelmingly positive, with many expressing gratitude for the opportunity to access essential reproductive healthcare resources.
Sheley highlighted the importance of Rodrigo's advocacy and has expressed her gratitude to the 'Vampire' singer.
"It fills my heart with so much joy and gratitude to Olivia, and it shows how well received it will be when other artists step up and do this," she said.
