Entertainment
Olivia Rodrigo Ends Support For Abortion Funds Providing Contraception
Olivia has been denounced as ‘the high priestess of child sacrifice’ by a conservative news outlet for collaborating with the National Network of Abortion Funds on her American leg of the global tour.
In response to conservative criticism, complimentary emergency contraception will no longer be distributed at Olivia Rodrigo’s GUTS world tour.
Yesterday, we covered Olivia’s introduction of a new endeavor known as ‘Fund 4 Good‘ in association with her GUTS world tour.
This global initiative aims to “promote a fair and equitable future for all women, girls, and individuals seeking reproductive health autonomy.”
In the wake of her show in St. Louis, Missouri on March 12th, a fan (@cowboylikekin) shared an image of the free morning-after pills being provided to interested attendees. (Reports suggest that free condoms were also available for those interested.)
Furthermore, informational cards were handed out to fans containing details about abortion resources and women’s reproductive rights, along with a QR code for fans interested in contributing. (Given the restrictive abortion laws in Missouri.)
The initiative was made possible in collaboration with Missouri-based Right By You, who supplied the morning-after pill (specifically the brand Julie), along with the Missouri Abortion Fund.
To clarify, no personnel associated with Olivia or her team were distributing contraception to the audience. Speaking to The Guardian, project director of Right By You, Stephanie Kraft Sheley, mentioned that Olivia did not specifically request the organization to distribute emergency contraception either.
While the initiative garnered praise from fans, it faced opposition from conservative entities and politicians.
State senator Bill Eigel from Missouri expressed via Twitter, “As a father of a daughter, I am appalled by this”.
He further remarked that Olivia was, “actively detrimental to women in Missouri by advocating abortion. She should feel ashamed.”
The right-wing outlet Breitbart News took it a step further, tweeting: “Curious how the Disney Channel produces so many high priestesses of child sacrifice.”
The coverage surrounding the initiative and concerns about minors accessing the items likely led Olivia’s team to request the cessation of distribution by the funds.
According to Jezebel, who interviewed “multiple fund workers,” Olivia’s team will no longer permit local chapters of the National Network of Abortion Funds to distribute items like condoms, lubricant, or emergency contraception.
Jezebel noted that following a viral tweet: “the National Network of Abortion Funds (NNAF) informed member funds assigned to appear at upcoming tour stops that Rodrigo’s team now prohibits the distribution of these supplies. The rationale cited was that the items could be too easily accessible to young female attendees.”
While some funds expressed disappointment at the directive to halt distribution, others continue to commend Olivia for supporting the cause.
Destini Spaeth, chair of Prairie Abortion Fund, which will be present at the St. Paul, Minnesota show tonight (March 15), remarked to Jezebel: “We are missing an opportunity to share our resources, and this gesture appears almost performative when we have practical options, like EC, to offer to young individuals facing numerous obstacles to care.”
On a similar note, Stephanie Kraft Sheley, the project director and founder of Right By You, also shared with Jezebel: “As with many abortion advocacy groups nationwide, we routinely distribute free emergency contraception at community events, and it is consistently well-received. We are deeply appreciative of the partnership with Olivia Rodrigo and the spotlight she is shining on abortion funds across the country, emphasizing that providing the community with pregnancy prevention and safer sex resources is a crucial aspect of what abortion funds provide.”