Planned Parenthood Gala Celebrates Advocacy for Reproductive Freedom
Lily Allen and Olivia Rodrigo took the stage at the recent Planned Parenthood gala to celebrate advocacy for reproductive freedom and justice. Allen emphasized the importance of using one’s platform for meaningful causes, stating, “You use your platform because you actually give a shit about reproductive freedom and justice. And in this world, genuinely giving a shit is revolutionary.” Rodrigo, in turn, praised Allen as a feminist icon who inspired her as a young girl.
The event featured an energetic live auction, where guests bid on items such as weeklong security coverage at Planned Parenthood locations and funding for essential healthcare services. Comedian Amber Ruffin kept the atmosphere lively as the emcee, injecting humor into the proceedings.
Board chair William J. Borner and president and CEO Wendy Stark highlighted Planned Parenthood’s significant impact and paid tribute to the late Cecile Richards, former president of the organization. The gala also featured messages of support from celebrities like Nikki Glaser, Miranda July, and Chrissy Teigen.
Notable attendees included Iris Apatow, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Karen Elson, AnnaSophia Robb, and Debbie Harry, who donned a self-designed dress for the occasion. Harry reflected on the challenges women faced in the past without access to birth control and abortion, praising Planned Parenthood for weathering those storms.
During the dessert portion of the evening, Laverne Cox introduced Amanda Zurawski as the Champion of Change honoree. Zurawski, a leading voice in the fight for reproductive justice, shared her harrowing experience of nearly losing her life due to being denied a medically necessary abortion in Texas.
In her acceptance speech, Zurawski emphasized the impact of anti-choice policies on women’s lives, urging continued advocacy for bodily autonomy. Rodrigo closed out the event with a message to her fans, encouraging them to stand up for their beliefs and support organizations like Planned Parenthood.
