WASHINGTON – As millions head to the polls, a new campaign is shining the spotlight on moving reproductive health stories from women across the country who have been affected by abortion bans. It also features calls to action from artists including Kelly Rowland, Connie Britton, Octavia Spencer and more.
The initiative comes at a critical time, with 21 states having banned some or all abortions, and seeks to elevate the voices of women who have been affected, posing this crucial question to legislators and the public alike: Are You Listening? The campaign underscores the necessity of voter registration and encourages urgent conversation about access to reproductive healthcare.
The video campaign features personal narratives and stories that emphasize the importance of reproductive healthcare access.
“In the two years since Roe was overturned, we have heard stories of the devastating impact these cruel abortion bans have had on the lives of people across this country. Our rights should not change depending on where we live. Everyone deserves access to sexual and reproductive health care,” said Alexis McGill Johnson, president and CEO, Planned Parenthood Action Fund.
“The stories shared in this campaign are courageous and powerful. They remind us of a singular truth: your ZIP code should not determine your access to care. Right now, our principles of democracy and freedom are on the line. The future of the Supreme Court and reproductive freedom are on the line. Together, we can shape a future where everyone, no matter where they live, has access to the care that they need and deserve,” said Fatima Goss Graves, president of the National Women’s Law Center Action Fund.
Kelly Rowland: “Reproductive rights are our birth right and a woman’s right to choose whatever option works for her is singularly personal. It has been way too long that policies have invaded and fought against our private and sacred choice. Now is the time to take politics out of our maternal plans.”
Octavia Spencer: “Young women now have fewer rights than their mothers and grandmothers did and I believe it is imperative that we make our voices heard and take those rights back. This campaign is about taking a stand not just for yourself but for your sisters, your moms, your daughters, your aunts, your cousins – it’s for all of us.”
Yvette Nicole Brown: “The message of this campaign is that your voice is your power. To me, freedom is the ability to make my own decisions. For people of color, our ancestors died so that it would be easier for us to do that, and if you’re thinking about not using your voice and the power that comes with it, don’t do it for you, do it for them.”
The “Are You Listening?” campaign aims to foster dialogue and encourage viewers to engage with their communities and create a collective push for reproductive freedom and health care access.
To watch the video, click here.
For more information about the stories featured in the videos, please contact:
Planned Parenthood Action Fund Media Office [email protected], 212-261-4433
National Women’s Law Center Action Fund, Sydney Petersen, [email protected]
About Planned Parenthood Action Fund
Planned Parenthood Action Fund is an independent, nonpartisan, not-for-profit membership organization formed as the advocacy and political arm of Planned Parenthood Federation of America. The Action Fund engages in educational, advocacy, and limited electoral activity, including grassroots organizing, legislative advocacy, and voter education.
About National Women’s Law Center Action Fund (NWLCAF)
The NWLC Action Fund’s mission is to educate and engage voters on critical issues that impact women and girls, especially women of color, LGBTQ people, and low-income women and families. We drive progressive change at the local, state, and federal levels, and hold our elected officials accountable for removing barriers to gender justice.