Rodrigo offers birth control at gigs in abortion-ban US states
The Guardian|March 15, 2024
Madelyn Ritter expected to leave the Olivia Rodrigo's Guts tour with some merchandise - but she didn't expect to also go home with some free emergency contraception.
Alaina Demopoulos
Rodrigo offers birth control at gigs in abortion-ban US states

But that's what she spotted when she entered the stadium at St Louis. There, next to the women's toilets, was a table where concertgoers could donate to abortion funds and pick up free condoms and morning-after pills, also called Plan B.

"We noticed it immediately," said Ritter, 25. "I was like: 'What's this about?' They told me it was free, so my sister, her friend and I all took some. I personally don't need it, but I'm going to save it in case something bad happens." Last month, in conjunction with her world tour, the US singer-songwriter launched the Fund 4 Good campaign, which aims to protect women's and girls' reproductive rights. A portion of sales from the tour will go towards the fund. As part of the initiative, Rodrigo paired with the National Network of Abortion Funds, which connected her with local chapters at various gigs on the tour.

Ritter said: "There are plenty of singers making a stand about social issues, but I've never seen anything like this." Abortion is illegal in Missouriand is only permitted in an emergency that threatens the life of a pregnant person. Missouri Republicans are also trying to defund Planned Parenthood, which provides reproductive healthcare, such as STI screenings and contraception, in the state.

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