Planned Parenthood recognized Olivia Rodrigo‘s work in educating young women about reproductive rights on Thursday by presenting her with its Catalyst of Change Award at the Greater New York Spring Into Action Gala in New York City. Lily Allen presented her with the award. During her acceptance speech, the artist, 22, spoke about her efforts in support of a humanitarian cause.
She spoke about her connection with young women to be “perhaps the greatest privilege this career has given [her],” as transcribed by Billboard, which published Rodrigo’s speech in full. And 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ideologies to deny us safety and healthcare, and it breaks my heart to think that, because of oppressive laws and outdated policies, some of those girls may not get to follow their dreams the way I was able to follow mine,” she continued.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.”
The event also honored Amanda Zurawski, who sued her home state of Texas after a denial of an abortion there imperiled her. “I’m absolutely floored by your story,” Rodrigo told Zurawski from the stage. “Your ability to turn something so heartbreaking and painful into such powerful activism is so incredibly inspiring.”
In 2022, Rodrigo used her platform at Glastonbury (which she’s headlining this year) to name the five Supreme Court justices whose votes overturned Roe v. Wade that year. She also brought Allen onstage to sing her song, “Fuck You.” In 2024, she distributed morning-after pills to fans at concerts for a time. The National Network of Abortion Funds applauded her work that year. In July, she endorsed Kamala Harris for president, citing the then-vice president’s stance on abortion.
In addition to Glastonbury, Rodrigo has tour dates booked all over the world this festival, mostly at festivals.
