While receiving the "Catalyst of Change" award from Planned Parenthood in April: "She described her concerts as a space where everyone can “all feel safe to be wild, emotional and carefree.” “It feels like we’re part of each other’s lives,” she said. “I often wonder, ‘What happens to those girls when they leave those venues? What are their dreams? What kind of world are they returning to?’
“We live in a world that politicizes our bodies and uses harmful ideologies to deny us safety and healthcare, and it breaks my heart to think that, because of oppressive laws and outdated policies, some of those girls may not get to follow their dreams the way I was able to follow mine,” she continued. “Just a year ago, fueled by heartbreak and anger over what was happening in the world, I launched my Fund 4 Good, a global initiative that supports local nonprofits, championing reproductive freedom, girls’ education, and the prevention of gender-based violence. A portion of my tour proceeds went to the fund, and I’m proud to share that we’ve raised and donated over $2 million to organizations around the world.”
She also praised Planned Parenthood “and the life-saving work that they do,” specifically mentioning cancer screenings, birth control, STD testing, and abortion care. “It’s a privilege to be here tonight to support an organization that, despite countless obstacles, continues to show up with compassion, hope, and dignity for women,” she said. “My greatest wish is that through organizations like Planned Parenthood and the action of everyday citizens, no woman will need to sacrifice her dreams, her health, or humanity because of restrictive laws or lack of resources.”
Source: https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/olivia-rodrigo-planned-parenthood-catalyst-change-award-1235324908/
Read the full speech here: https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/olivia-rodrigo-planned-parenthood-champion-of-change-award-1235955418/
