American singer-songwriter Olivia Rodrigo has discontinued the distribution of contraceptive kits during her ‘Guts’ world tour. She made headlines recently for handing out the contraceptive kits at her show in Missouri. However, several Republican figures, including Missouri State Senator Bill Eigel, criticised her move. One reproductive rights organiser reported that Rodrigo’s team stated that they didn’t want the kits to be given out as children were present at the concerts. As a result, local abortion organisers have said they are no longer allowed to distribute contraceptive kits at Rodrigo’s concerts.
The contraceptive kits had included condoms, Plan Bs, and information for abortion access. They were part of a reproductive rights initiative held on Rodrigo’s tour, in which the National Network of Abortion Funds would have a booth at every show on her North American leg. Rodrigo had announced in February that she was launching a reproductive rights initiative on her tour, including donating a portion of her ticket sales to ‘Fund 4 Good’ that would directly support community-based non-profits supporting reproductive rights, girls’ education, and preventing gender-based violence.
The Missouri Abortion Fund said they were disappointed that other abortion funds would not get the same opportunity to distribute emergency contraceptives. But they were encouraged by the overwhelmingly positive response and hoped that this conversation highlights the work being done by abortion funds every day in states across the country. Rodrigo’s team did not respond to requests from Rolling Stone or Variety for comment on this matter.
Rodrigo’s concerts may have children present, but it is essential to provide access to contraception and education for reproductive health. Hence, it is crucial to have a conversation about the importance of reproductive rights and not restrict access to contraception
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