In response to the growing threats to reproductive freedom in the United States, over 250 prominent figures from diverse backgrounds, including musicians, actors, and activists, have united to support Planned Parenthood through a heartfelt campaign. This initiative culminated in a letter published as a full-page advertisement in The New York Times on May 21, featuring notable signatories such as Harry Styles, Megan Thee Stallion, and Olivia Rodrigo.
The letter, which emphasizes the importance of individual choice in healthcare decisions, states, “I’m for Planned Parenthood,” and addresses the alarming erosion of personal freedoms. It highlights that 1 in 4 people in the U.S. have utilized Planned Parenthood’s services for essential healthcare such as birth control, cancer screenings, STI testing, and gender-affirming care. The message accompanying the letter reinforces the idea that healthcare decisions should be made by individuals rather than the government.
In addition to the previously mentioned celebrities, the list of supporters includes actors like Pedro Pascal, Scarlett Johansson, and Melissa McCarthy, as well as various cultural icons like Gloria Steinem and Trixie Mattel. The president and CEO of Planned Parenthood Federation of America, Alexis McGill Johnson, praised the initiative, recognizing the essential role that Planned Parenthood health centers play in providing crucial health services.
This letter not only serves as a rallying cry during a time when reproductive rights are increasingly under threat, particularly since the overturning of Roe v. Wade, but it also echoes sentiments voiced by Olivia Rodrigo during the recent Spring Into Action Gala. In her acceptance speech, she expressed her concern for young women facing oppressive reproductive laws, emphasizing the need for organizations like Planned Parenthood to safeguard their rights and health.
The collective voices of these influential figures are a beacon of hope, reminding the public of the importance of reproductive freedom and access to healthcare, and encouraging continued support for Planned Parenthood’s mission. Visitors to the Planned Parenthood website are invited to join the movement by adding their names to this growing list of supporters, highlighting a community united in advocating for essential healthcare access.