👋 Hi, I'm Nicholas Roberts. I create and perform music and write this daily blog about creativity, culture, and my life.

I live in Los Angeles with my wife and golden retriever.

Email me: hello@nicholasroberts.io

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Olivia Rodrigo's U.S. GUTS tour has become a platform for raising awareness and funds for abortion.

Finally, an artist standing up.

She has been allowing abortion funds to set up tables at her concerts to distribute free emergency contraceptives and condoms, as well as share information about abortion access in those cities.

However, following a social media post and extensive media coverage about free contraception at her shows in St. Louis, her team decided to suspend the program indefinitely.

The official reason they've given is that they're concerned about the "impacts of this program on children."

The National Network of Abortion Funds (NNAF), the group responsible for the programs, expressed gratitude to Rodrigo for bringing visibility to the issue, but also frustration over the restrictions they now face at her concerts.

There’s no indication that Olivia supports this decision.

However, it’s hard to believe that it’s for the good of the kids.

Olivia’s shows are organized by Live Nation, a publicly-traded company. If Live Nation or any other concert promoter steps on toes in Missouri or any of the other 20 states that currently restrict access to abortion, they risk jeopardizing their live concert business, not just for Olivia, but for their entire roster.

Sadly, it’s not uncommon for politicians to weigh in on music festivals happening in their states.

Even if Olivia opposes the decisions, her management, labels, venues, promoters, booking agents, and other concert vendors could put themselves at risk if the distribution of Plan B goes awry.

Doctors are afraid of losing their medical licenses because of these laws. What recourse would a music promoter have?

The decision has sparked a broader conversation about the role of celebrities in activism and the challenges of maintaining a balance between raising awareness and adhering to logistical and ethical considerations.

I hope this decision is reversed. Access to emergency contraceptives and abortion services are essential and non-negotiable.

And artists like Rodrigo have large platforms to make lasting, impactful protest.