Singer Olivia Rodrigo, who initially gained fame as a teenage star on the Disney network, has transitioned into an advocate for abortion rights. She garnered attention for her support by distributing contraceptives and abortion medications at her concerts. However, due to widespread public criticism, she has ceased these actions.
In the middle of March, news outlets started covering the story of Rodrigo, whose journey in entertainment commenced on the Disney sitcom “Bizaardvark” in 2016, when she was just 13 years old. Reports indicated that she was providing “Plan B” emergency contraceptives at her concerts and allocating a portion of her earnings to The National Network of Abortion Funds, an organization supporting abortion rights. Additionally, she permitted local abortion advocacy groups to set up at concert venues, where they distributed condoms, lubricants, and other reproductive health materials.
The incident gained widespread attention on social media on March 12, as fans shared images of Plan B pills they received at a concert held in St. Louis, Missouri. Missouri notably became the first state to revise its abortion regulations following the overturning of Roe v. Wade.
Having transitioned from her Disney origins to pursue a music career, Rodrigo has become a vocal supporter of abortion rights. Throughout her 2022 “Sour” tour, where her audience mainly comprises teenagers, she actively encouraged attendees to advocate for abortion rights. In response to the Supreme Court’s reversal of Roe v. Wade, she openly criticized the justices.
Nonetheless, the sudden influx of media attention surrounding the distribution of items at her concerts seems to have overwhelmed her. On March 14, Rodrigo’s management team issued a directive for abortion advocacy groups to halt the distribution of condoms and pills. The stated reason for this decision is the presence of children at the concerts.
Abortion advocates are expressing discontent over the policy alteration. Destini Spaeth from the Praeri Abortion Fund remarked that there’s a notable benefit in ensuring that 15-year-old girls have access to Plan B and condoms. Meanwhile, the DC abortion fund intends to distribute Plan B on the sidewalk outside the venue instead. It appears that Rodrigo has grasped the notion that providing contraceptives to minors is not well-received.
