This fall, we welcomed 14 incredible young people to the NARAL family as organizing fellows to help us build power in four key states: Illinois, New York, Georgia and California. The energy, passion, and experience these young people have brought to our operation is invaluable. From speaking out at town halls to hold representatives like Dan Lipinski accountable for their anti-choice actions, to gathering petition signatures to support Jane Doe, we’re thrilled with the important work they have been able to accomplish in the past few months!
Their array of experiences — organizing in their communities, fighting for racial justice and equality for the LGBTQ community, demanding more from our representatives — as well as their power and passion will help advance reproductive freedom and gender equality across the country.
Learn more about our 14 fabulous fellows:
Qudsiyyah Shariyf, Illinois
Why are you excited to join the fight on the ground for reproductive freedom? I’m excited to be working with so many amazing local activists who all care so much about reproductive freedom. I’m excited to be in solidarity with so many people, to be learning from great organizers and leaders, and I’m excited to put pressure and a spotlight on some of the corrupt, anti-choice politicians in Illinois.
As a young person, why do you feel it’s important to be part of the fight for reproductive freedom and why should others join you in this fight? As a young person I recognize the moral and ethical duty that I have to fight for a more just future for those who come after me. Whether they are my children or not, all people deserve dignity, rights, and freedom. I think that everyone should stand for reproductive freedom because it is the only just thing to do.
What brought you to the reproductive rights movement? When did you know this is something you were passionate about? The summer after my freshman year of college I interned at Women’s Medical Fund, an abortion fund in Philadelphia, my hometown. For the entire summer I worked as the primary access counselor, operating the helpline, speaking with hundreds of clients who were seeking financial assistance for abortion services.
Who is your number one feminist idol and why? My number one feminist idol is Angela Davis because she is everything I could ever want to be. Do I really have to explain why I admire Angela Davis?
Ten years from now, what do you want the headlines to read about women’s rights and reproductive freedom? Ten years from now, I want headlines to acknowledge the reproductive justice framework and that the movement has been driven by black and brown women/femmes. Ideally in ten years the headlines will acknowledge the work that has been and continues to be done, recognizing that folks like us were on the right side of history standing for justice.
What song would be on your feminist playlist? “Blk Girl Soldier” by Jamila Woods.
Leora Einleger, New York
Why are you excited to join the fight on the ground for reproductive freedom? Reproductive freedom has always been a passion of mine. Women cannot achieve equal status in society if private decisions about their bodies and lives are made by the government. I’ve found that while so many support reproductive freedom, they do not always know how to get involved. As a NARAL organizing fellow, I am excited to help engage and mobilize my community to get involved in the fight to support access to abortion and birth control, prevent pregnancy discrimination and pass paid family leave.
As a young person, why do you feel it’s important to be part of the fight for reproductive freedom and why should others join you in this fight? Reproductive freedom is not a political issue nor is it an issue that impacts only women or people of a certain age. As humans, reproductive health affects us all. If we are not empowered to make our own decisions regarding our reproductive health, it is extremely hard to control other parts of our lives.
What brought you to the reproductive rights movement? When did you know this is something you were passionate about? After attending the annual Planned Parenthood national conference, I knew I was passionate about advocating for reproductive rights. I felt empowered learning about the many women before me who had fought to have access to birth control and sexual health clinics. I felt, and still feel, it is my job to continue to fight for future generations. While I am lucky to be able to access by reproductive rights, there is still so much work we must do to secure those same rights for all.
Who is your number one feminist idol and why? Both my grandmother and mother are my feminist idols. My grandmother, Dr. Ruth Westheimer, had a radio and TV show in the 1980s where she talked openly and frankly about sex. To this day, people thank her for her books, shows, and talks on sexual health. My mother, Miriam Westheimer, taught me what it means to be unapologetically feminist. She taught me to never feel I couldn’t do something because I’m a woman, and to fight, mobilize and advocate for what I believe in.
What does your ideal protest sign say? “And when I meet Thomas Jefferson, I’m ‘a compel him to include women in the sequel!”
Ten years from now, what do you want the headlines to read about women’s rights and reproductive freedom? In ten years, I hope to read about our female president who has made accurate and factual sex education mandatory in all U.S. schools.
What song would be on your feminist playlist? “I Am Woman” by Helen Reddy.
Cynthia Colas, Florida
Why are you excited to join the fight on the ground for reproductive freedom? I am excited to join NARAL Pro-Choice America because I want to fight for reproductive freedom by organizing, lobbying, rallying, and petitioning. I also want to motivate others to fight with us; to organize, mobilize and build our movement so that those in need can have their voices heard.
As a young person, why do you feel it’s important to be part of the fight for reproductive freedom and why should others join you in this fight? I had the pleasure of going to the National Organization for Women’s Annual Conference this past summer. When I was there, I was able to see that there is a need for millennials to step up to the plate and fight for reproductive freedom. The feminist movement cannot go on without the next generation taking on this fight, which is why it is important that young people carry the torch. The fight for this movement needs to go on until justice has finally won in all areas.
Who is your number one feminist idol and why? I honestly can’t pick between Beyoncé and Lady Gaga, so this is a hard question. I like Beyoncé since she’s an inspirational figure who promotes women’s empowerment and positive body image. I also love Lady Gaga for embracing her sexuality and quirky personality without apology.
What does your ideal protest sign say? My ideal protest sign would say “Women Rights Are Human Rights.” This sentiment is why I work, organize, and rally for this cause.
Ten years from now, what do you want the headlines to read about women’s rights and reproductive freedom? I would want to see a nationwide movement of young people fighting for women’s rights and reproductive freedom. I personally think it is very important that we keep up the pressure by organizing rallies, boycotts, marches, and nationwide responses. We have too much to lose. If the next generation isn’t strong enough to fight the powers of bigotry, hate, division, and fear that others spread, these systems of harm will only continue.
What song would be on your feminist playlist? I have a couple of songs that I listen to endlessly on my Spotify feminist playlist: “A Woman’s Worth” by Ashanti, “Flawless” and “Ring the Alarm” by Beyonce, “Bad Romance” by Lady Gaga, “Kill vs Maime” by Grimes, “You’re Beautiful” and “Fighter” by Christina Aguilera, “Independent Women” by Destiny’s Child, and “Unwritten” by Natasha Bedingfield.
Sabrina Rich, New York
Why are you excited to join the fight on the ground for reproductive freedom? Reproductive freedom is constantly under attack by our federal, state and local governments, and restrictions on this freedom not only strips people of their control over their own bodies, but also puts people in positions of physical and emotional danger. A lot of people who live in New York believe that because we are a blue state, we are immune to anti-choice laws, which is entirely false. As a young woman living in New York, I want to use my voice to raise awareness about the obstacles that the movement for reproductive freedom is currently facing in our state, as well as to elevate the voices of those in marginalized positions. Reproductive freedom should be granted to every person in this country, and I am excited to fight for a future where that is the reality.
I chose to join the fight for reproductive freedom not only to elevate my own voice as a queer woman of color, but also to bring the issues of these communities to the center of this fight.
As a young person, why do you feel it’s important to be part of the fight for reproductive freedom and why should others join you in this fight? I believe that young people have a very specific role in the fight for reproductive freedom — we are the future public officials, legislators, judges, and activists. It is incredibly important for young people to join the fight now so that we don’t face the same challenges when we are older. We need young activists and radicals on the front lines of these fights so that we grow up and reform the way that reproductive freedom functions in this country. Many young people may feel like reproductive freedom is not our issue, but it is; if we don’t join this fight now, then there will be no progress.
What brought you to the reproductive rights movement? When did you know this is something you were passionate about? Reproductive freedom has always been an issue that I’ve cared about. Growing up, my mother always instilled feminist values in me, and I have always believed firmly in a woman’s right to choose. Much of the organizing work that I have done in the past has focused on racial justice and LGBTQ+ rights, and I realized that the reproductive freedom movement is a place where all of these issues intersect. I chose to join the fight for reproductive freedom not only to elevate my own voice as a queer woman of color, but also to bring the issues of these communities to the center of this fight.
Who is your number one feminist idol and why? My feminist idol is Malala Yousafzai. Malala has been through so much, and the fact that she continues to fight for gender equality is truly inspiring. She is doing such incredible work for women and girls around the world at such a young age. Her strength and resilience is amazing, and people like her are the future of the feminist movement.
What does your ideal protest sign say? “Reproductive freedom for all genders!”
Ten years from now, what do you want the headlines to read about women’s rights and reproductive freedom? “Universal health care provides free abortion services and birth control for everyone regardless of gender, class, or immigration status.”
What song would be on your feminist playlist?
“Bad Girls” by M.I.A.
Amanda Breeden, Illinois
Why are you excited to join the fight on the ground for reproductive freedom? I’m majoring in Gender Studies and Sociology so this opportunity was right down my alley! I aim to make social justice a driving force in my future career, and working with NARAL is a great opportunity to gain experience while making an impact.
As a young person, why do you feel it’s important to be part of the fight for reproductive freedom and why should others join you in this fight People my age have been taught that the women’s rights movement is a thing of the past, but we are still living it. I have friends who can’t tell their parents they’re on birth control because it’s still such a taboo. I remember my younger sister coming home from health class furious because her teacher railed against abortion in front of twenty-five malleable minds. I regularly turn on the news to see cisgender men without medical degrees debate the fate of my next prescription. This is happening right now and apathy and inaction simply are not options.
What brought you to the reproductive rights movement? When did you know this is something you were passionate about? My mom has always been a big feminist; this is just something that has constantly been on my radar. I first remember claiming the label “feminist” in eighth grade when I wrote a persuasive paper on legalizing abortion, but the passion was there from the very beginning.
Who is your number one feminist idol and why? I don’t have a specific idol; instead, I hold great admiration for intersectional feminists as a whole. While there is so much happening around us, it can be difficult to acknowledge the work that must be done within our own movement. Feminism has not always been for the margins (i.e., women of color, trans women, queer women, working-class women, women with disabilities, etc.); the feminists who push back against a narrow brand to demand a more inclusive, more multifaceted movement are vital. Everyone’s liberation is connected.
I regularly turn on the news to see cisgender men without medical degrees debate the fate of my next prescription. This is happening right now and apathy simply are not options.
What does your ideal protest sign say? When my dad and I went to the Women’s March in Chicago, I carried a sign with a coat-hanger attached and “never again” written in large block letters. It’s a jarring message, but so incredibly important.
Ten years from now, what do you want the headlines to read about women’s rights and reproductive freedom? “Cities Across US Celebrate Openings of New Reproductive Care Clinics; Rural & Low-Income Families No Longer Worried About Access.” “Single-Payer Healthcare Plan Passes: Includes Contraceptives, Abortion Coverage.” “States Craft Guidelines for Comprehensive Sex Education in Schools; Mandatory Topics Include Birth Control, Abortion, Healthy LGBTQIA+ Relationships.”
What song would be on your feminist playlist? I stumbled across Zolita’s “Fight Like A Girl” the other day; the song is powerful in and of itself, but I especially appreciate the music video. If you like effortlessly diverse groups of women breaking free from Handmaid’s-Tale-esque imagery and claiming their power to the anthem of “my body, my choice, my rights and my voice” it should be on your playlist, too! :)
Ciara O’Connell, Illinois
Why are you excited to join the fight on the ground for reproductive freedom?I research law and reproductive rights, and wanted to get more involved in the on-the-ground aspects of the fight for reproductive freedom.
As a young person, why do you feel it’s important to be part of the fight for reproductive freedom and why should others join you in this fight? I don’t know if I’m necessarily a young person, but I do think that working with young people is integral to ensuring that our movements are progressive and intersectional. I think that the next generation of activists have great ideas for how to intertwine reproductive freedom with other rights, like housing, education, and freedom from racial and gender-based discrimination; we need to make sure we are listening.
What brought you to the reproductive rights movement? When did you know this is something you were passionate about? I started being involved with reproductive rights before I really knew what they were. In high school, I would bring friends to get birth control, and we would work together to get educated on issues like parental permission and informed consent for reproductive health services. Later in college, I learned about the forced sterilization of women in Puerto Rico and Peru and decided to dedicate my work to investigating and reconceptualizing what reproductive rights mean for different women, before the law.
Who is your number one feminist idol and why? Hands down, Angela Davis. She is exemplary at bringing together seemingly unrelated issues, such as police brutality, reproductive health, and Palestine, and showing how they are interconnected.
What does your ideal protest sign say? “I am not free while any woman is unfree, even when her shackles are very different from my own.” — Audre Lorde
Ten years from now, what do you want the headlines to read about women’s rights and reproductive freedom? Ten Year Anniversary of UN Convention on Free and Open Access to Birth Control, Abortion, and Period Care Products (UNFOABAPCP) signed by all member countries (*might take a bit longer than ten years).
What song would be on your feminist playlist? Crass: “Bata Motel.”
Amy Kathleen Gregg, Georgia
Why are you excited to join the fight on the ground for reproductive freedom? When I decided to apply to grad school, I had to make the choice of staying in Georgia or moving somewhere more progressive. At the end of the day, I chose to stay in South because it’s my home, and I wanted to help shape the future of reproductive freedom for the women that I love here. We need organizations like NARAL to galvanize all those who know they want to take action to protect our reproductive rights, but aren’t sure how to make that happen. I’m proud to be working with NARAL to provide a way for women to engage politically and demand the reproductive freedom we deserve.
For me, it started back in high school when my best friend got pregnant. About a month before she told me that she was having a baby, we had gone together to a local neighborhood clinic to try and get birth control. They turned us away because we were too young.
As a young person, why do you feel it’s important to be part of the fight for reproductive freedom and why should others join you in this fight? I think there is a myth floating around that feminism is no longer necessary. Men and women are equal, and we can all go home and quit making such as fuss. But the absurd laws restricting women’s access to reproductive health services indicate otherwise. We can’t talk about women’s liberation (personal, political, economic, etc) without at the very least affirming that women have autonomy over their own bodies.
What brought you to the reproductive rights movement? When did you know this is something you were passionate about? For me, it started back in high school when my best friend got pregnant. About a month before she told me that she was having a baby, we had gone together to a local neighborhood clinic to try and get birth control. They turned us away because we were too young. I told her that I would support her decision to have an abortion if that was the right choice for her, but she felt like the best option was to continue her pregnancy. She’s a boss and somehow managed to work multiple jobs, finish high school, and graduate from one of the best universities in the state — all with a child in tow. She should have had a choice of when to get pregnant, though, and when that woman in the clinic refused to give her birth control, she took away that choice. At that point, I knew I wanted my career to somehow focus on giving women and girls the choice that should have always been theirs back to them.
Who is your number one feminist idol and why? Most recently it’s been Kathleen Hanna. After the most recent election I dove down a deep rabbit hole of riot grrrl music and played Bikini Kill on repeat. She brought the idea of “the personal is political” to a whole new level, and literally took over spaces so that women could have room in the punk scene. I think sometimes we talk about feminism and women’s rights in a philosophical or political sense and overlook what that means for women and girls grinding out their lives everyday. Kathleen Hanna brought a new level of grittiness to feminism that I think reflects how much of a struggle it was (and sometimes still is) to be an unapologetically opinionated, strong, creative woman.
What does your ideal protest sign say? “Sage against the machine” Although to be fair, I can’t take credit for it; I first saw it on protest pictures from Standing Rock. Activism is in my life long-term, and I have to make it sustainable for myself. I can’t always be raging against the machine. Audre Lorde had a beautiful philosophy of self-care as a radical act in and of itself that I try to follow.
Ten years from now, what do you want the headlines to read about women’s rights and reproductive freedom? “President of the United States confirms, she too had abortion in college”
What song would be on your feminist playlist? Just one? “Brujas” by Princess Nokia.
Laura Belec, Illinois
Why are you excited to join the fight on the ground for reproductive freedom? The war on women certainly isn’t stopping anytime soon, and I knew I had to take action. The great thing about activism is that it all starts with one person and can easily morph into something that affects the bigger picture. I’m also really excited to learn from my fellow women in the movement.
As a young person, why do you feel it’s important to be part of the fight for reproductive freedom and why should others join you in this fight? As someone who heavily advocates for birth control and personal care, reproductive freedom is the most simple way to assure security for someone. This means economic decisions and bodily autonomy that give women the chance to carry out their potential. Others should join in this fight because resting on our laurels is not a choice during this presidency, it’s absolutely necessary to assure rights for our future generations.
What brought you to the reproductive rights movement? When did you know this is something you were passionate about? My sister has always been heavily involved in politics while attending medical school. She was the first one to teach me the intricacies of women’s health and why it mattered so much. In addition to that, I felt a certain fire after becoming more aware of the injustice that persists in this country. From court rulings against women’s basic rights to the attacks on Planned Parenthood, I knew securing women’s fundamental rights was something I really wanted to commit myself to.
Who is your number one feminist idol and why? Ruth Bader Ginsburg is my favorite feminist. Not only because she is so vocal about her stance, but because she attacks arguments with facts, logic, and sass. Even at her age, she shows the world that being an activist isn’t just for college students.
What does your ideal protest sign say? “If you don’t fight for ALL women, you fight for NO women” or “Let’s talk about the elephant in the womb.”
Ten years from now, what do you want the headlines to read about women’s rights and reproductive freedom? I want the headlines to read, “Free and universal birth control now available” and “Women now make up the majority of Congress; ensuring the protection of Planned Parenthood”
What song would be on your feminist playlist? “The Bullpen,” by Dessa.
Rose Khan, New York
Why are you excited to join the fight on the ground for reproductive freedom? I am most excited to work and interact with those who are fighting for reproductive freedom. These people have been engaged in this fight, in a variety of ways, for varying lengths of time; each one of them will have a different outlook and way of thinking — I’m excited to learn from them.
If I’m on the ground, explaining to people why this fight is important and how it’s entwined with issues of race, gender, and economics, people will realize that this is a fight that needs all of us, and will join.
As a young person, why do you feel it’s important to be part of the fight for reproductive freedom and why should others join you in this fight? As a young woman of color, I have witnessed first-hand how the absence of reproductive justice can have long-lasting ramifications on communities of color. This is why I feel it’s important to be a part of this fight — the only way to remedy the effects of not having reproductive freedom is to be a part of the movement for it. Sometimes, people can feel disconnected or detached from issues if they feel that they don’t affect them directly. But if I’m on the ground, explaining to people why this fight is important and how it’s entwined with issues of race, gender, and economics, people will realize that this is a fight that needs all of us, and will join.
What brought you to the reproductive rights movement? When did you know this is something you were passionate about? I think growing up in a pro-choice family always made me feel as though reproductive justice was something I was passionate about — it didn’t make sense to me that policymakers and other people believed that they could tell other people, especially women, what they could and couldn’t do with their own bodies. However, it was not until after I was diagnosed with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome, a condition that afflicts my reproductive capabilities and requires medication to help me deal with the severe pain is causes, that I realized how privileged I am to have access to quality reproductive healthcare services without worrying about how it will affect my finances and consequently other aspects of my life. For the first time, I truly understood that access to reproductive healthcare does not operate in a vacuum independent from other aspects of your life — everything is interconnected. I don’t have to worry about being able to pay my bills or having enough food if I choose to go to the doctor and receive treatment. This is not the case for so many women across the country, and I decided to take an active role in helping women gain access to these services.
Who is your number one feminist idol and why? Benazir Bhutto is my all-time feminist idol. She was the first Muslim woman elected to be Prime Minister of Pakistan. That was the first time I can remember that I saw someone who looked like me in a field where I thought that I didn’t belong.
What does your ideal protest sign say? “This is not an ovary-action”
Ten years from now, what do you want the headlines to read about women’s rights and reproductive freedom? I want the headlines to say that all women have access to quality, affordable reproductive healthcare services. I want them to say that the bodies of women, especially those of low-income women and women of color, are no longer subjected to being policed and controlled by any person or any institution.
What song would be on your feminist playlist? “You Gotta Be” by Des’ree.
Meagan Barrera, New York
Why are you excited to join the fight on the ground for reproductive freedom? I have devoted my life to fighting for gender equality and throughout the years I have continually tried to advocate for reproductive freedom and inform those around me about its importance as part of that fight. Joining NARAL gives me the opportunity to expand my impact and mobilize my networks in a way that wasn’t possible before.
As a young person, why do you feel it’s important to be part of the fight for reproductive freedom and why should others join you in this fight?For my entire life I have had the security of knowing that I could legally, though not always easily, access reproductive health services like abortion and birth control. I can thank past leaders and activists in the reproductive freedom movement for that security, and I feel that it is my duty as a young person to take up that torch and make sure that reproductive freedom is safe and continually expanding for future generations.
What brought you to the reproductive rights movement? When did you know this is something you were passionate about? I came to the reproductive rights movement and became passionate about it after taking courses in gender studies and coming to realize how my own life and those around me had been shaped by policies affecting our reproductive freedom.
Who is your number one feminist idol and why? Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, because it was her words that finally clarified for me why I was a feminist. Her writing has a way of simplifying otherwise complex topics in a way that can be easily understood, and she doesn’t shy away from having hard conversations.
What does your ideal protest sign say? My Body, My Choice, My Rights
Ten years from now, what do you want the headlines to read about women’s rights and reproductive freedom? In ten years I would like the headlines about women’s rights and reproductive freedom to say that we have protected access for birth control and abortion, guaranteed throughout the United States, as well as paid family leave and anti-pregnancy discrimination policies that would ensure true reproductive freedom.
What song would be on your feminist playlist? Soy Yo by Bomba Estéreo
Kyra Reed, Georgia
Why are you excited to join the fight on the ground for reproductive freedom? I joined the fight for reproductive freedom and reproductive justice because I believe that all women regardless of social class deserve the right to choose what happens to their bodies. I want all women to feel safe in their choices to have an abortion, raise children, or whatever it is they choose.
As a young person, why do you feel it’s important to be part of the fight for reproductive freedom and why should others join you in this fight? The fight for reproductive justice, much like other fights, started with and was led by younger generations. I think that as young people we have a responsibility to create a better world for our future generations to live in, just like those before us.
What brought you to the reproductive rights movement? When did you know this is something you were passionate about? I’ve always been pro-choice. But after an event in my personal life and speaking to loved ones about reproductive justice I knew that I had to join the fight and stand with women. I want to create a career from this commitment to defending women’s basic rights.
Who is your number one feminist idol and why? My mother. She doesn’t consider herself a feminist, but she raised two kids, finished college, put me through college, had a career, and she did it all on her own. She’s the definition of a boss.
What does your ideal protest sign say? “The rise of the woman is the rise of a nation” (I have a coffee mug that says it).
Ten years from now, what do you want the headlines to read about women’s rights and reproductive freedom? I want the headlines to support reproductive freedom, that don’t make me afraid for other women.
What song would be on your feminist playlist? “Oh No” by Marina and the Diamonds.
Tory Lowy, New York
Why are you excited to join the fight on the ground for reproductive freedom? I’m passionate about reproductive freedom. While I’m lucky enough to come from an environment where the decisions I make about my body and healthcare are respected, I recognize that many others are not afforded the same right. Not all those who live in a conservative state have the same access to abortion care facilities — and those people shouldn’t be punished for something as arbitrary as their geographical location. I’m thrilled to be part of this fight because I want every woman to be able to decide when to start, or not start, a family.
As a young person, why do you feel it’s important to be part of the fight for reproductive freedom and why should others join you in this fight? In today’s political climate, it seems like there are endless causes to get behind. It can be overwhelming trying to take all of these issues on. For me, the choice to wholeheartedly support reproductive freedom was easy. I want to have full control over my body, and I want others to, as well. With our current administration, I think it’s important to pick an issue, whatever it may be, and commit time and effort to getting the word out and working to make a difference. Women make up around half of the country — reproductive freedom is a very worthwhile cause.
What brought you to the reproductive rights movement? I had always been pretty left-leaning about abortion care and access, but it wasn’t until I worked on the publicity campaign for a memoir by Dr. Willie Parker, a Christian abortion provider — his messages, based in religion and morality really hit home — that my interest in reproductive freedom really took off. What started as a fledgling interest quickly became an issue that I felt very strongly about — and I wanted to find people who felt the same way and wanted to do something to change the current narrative. I joined Planned Parenthood NYC’s activist committee, and started paying a lot more attention to the news. Once I surrounded myself with people who felt the same way as I did, and who wanted to make a change, the energy was infectious. It became even easier to get excited, mobilize, organize, and fight for reproductive freedom.
Who is your number one feminist idol and why? Gloria Steinem. She’s been fighting this fight for decades, and still hasn’t had enough. She’s an absolute powerhouse.
What does your ideal protest sign say? Girls Just Wanna Have Fundamental Rights!
Ten years from now, what do you want the headlines to read about women’s rights and reproductive freedom? Optimally, I’d like the headlines to read: ‘Men Flock to Take Part in Clinical Trials for Male Birth Control’. Realistically? I’d like the abortion discussion to be less taboo. I’d like to give those that have had an abortion the opportunity to feel their own feelings, whatever they may be, not be told they should or will feel a certain way. And, ten years down the road, I want nothing more than to see Planned Parenthood flourishing and continuing to provide care to as many people as possible.
What song would be on your feminist playlist? Stronger — Britney Spears
Jessica Barrett, Illinois
Why are you excited to join the fight on the ground for reproductive freedom? I’m excited to join the fight for reproductive freedom because I’m so frustrated! A portion of American society is fighting so hard to go backwards on this issue (…and many others). I am proud to be part of the resistance that is saying, “Hey, we are individuals with the capacity to make our own decisions!” We are going to make sure our message is heard!
As a young person, why do you feel it’s important to be part of the fight for reproductive freedom and why should others join you in this fight? It’s important to fight for reproductive freedom because everyone should have sole ownership of their own body. Reproductive freedom is only one aspect of the fight for bodily autonomy, but I believe it can have a foundational effect when achieved. NARAL focuses on four core values: abortion access, birth control, fighting pregnancy discrimination, and paid family leave; when these concepts became reality, people will begin to have a lot more say in their own lives and begin to approach economic justice. People should join in this fight because there is a very real, aggressive threat to reproductive freedom for all people, especially marginalized communities. If we turn our backs at this time, the ground made by past generations will be lost.
What brought you to the reproductive rights movement? When I was 21 I went to my second gynecologist. With a few simple questions about my medical history, she easily saw that the birth control pill left me at a higher risk for having a stroke; luckily I was able to switch to an IUD within a couple of weeks, and there was no long-term issue. Nevertheless, I was stunned that this whole situation had happened. Why was it so easy for her to discern this one tiny risk factor from hearing about my migraines? More importantly, why was it so hard for my previous doctor to ask me the same simple questions? I don’t doubt that my first doctor had the best intentions for me, but I realized how easy it is to not hear the whole truth when it comes to reproductive health. I am very privileged to have been able to retain insurance coverage, switch doctors, return for follow-ups (to receive the IUD), and maintain my own agency in this process — and in every other reproductive health issue I’ve ever had. Not all people have the same access to this kind of care, and that’s simply not right. Nothing about me makes me more deserving to have access to care, and this minor issue really opened my eyes to the importance of fighting for and strengthening the reproductive rights of all people.
Who is your number one feminist idol and why? Right now I have three based off of the TV shows that I watch: Abbi Jacobson, Ilana Glazer, and Issa Rae. They are my feminist idols for creating content that is unapologetic and true to themselves. Their characters are young women who are figuring out their lives, having sex, making mistakes, and simply being human. Abbi, Ilana, and Issa are incredibly talented and hilarious women making shows that young people, especially young women, can connect with, and their work as creators of their respective shows should be acknowledged and respected for being extremely original, extremely relatable, and extremely refreshing.
What does your ideal protest sign say? I really love NARAL’s “Trust Women” slogan because its simplicity is so telling. It’s sad that it even has to be said. A runner-up would be, “Women are people too.”
Ten years from now, what do you want the headlines to read about women’s rights and reproductive freedom? It would be amazing if there were no headlines! Hopefully within the next ten years, people will have learned that protecting women’s rights and reproductive freedom makes society more equal. I hope that being a feminist is no longer a scary idea because feminism is simply understood for its true meaning — that all people should be equal, no matter their gender.
What song would be on your feminist playlist? Lately it has been “Most Girls” by Hailee Steinfeld. I’ve always been so annoyed by the line, “you’re not like most girls,” and Hailee shows that most girls are like most girls — smart and strong and beautiful. I want to be like most girls! Additional plus to the song is that it lists “smart” and “strong” ahead of “beautiful”, continuing to emphasize the multidimensional characteristics that all that girls and women bring to the table.
Morgan Mitchell, California
Why are you excited to join the fight on the ground for reproductive freedom? I am determined to make America a better and safer place for women; where they have full autonomy and freedom to make their own decisions. I want to do everything I can to make that a reality.
As a young person, why do you feel it’s important to be part of the fight for reproductive freedom and why should others join you in this fight? It is important to fight for reproductive freedom because everyone deserves basic human rights, access to healthcare, and full bodily autonomy — that is the only way to truly be free in a country that boasts “freedom for all.” Others should join me in this fight because we need to hold our leaders and representatives accountable. If we want to claim that we offer “liberty and justice for all” in our country, then we need to make sure we are living up to that. There is injustice and suffering happening around us, and if you are not joining the fight to stop it, then you are allowing it to happen.
What brought you to the reproductive rights movement? When did you know this is something you were passionate about? I grew up in a very religious environment and was told horrible lies about the pro-choice movement and reproductive healthcare. I saw how these lies hurt the women in my community. In college, I decided to do my own research, and became aware of all the misconceptions that are perpetuated by the anti-choice, religious right. I decided that I wanted to join the reproductive rights movement to correct these misconceptions and ensure that women aren’t harmed by these lies any longer.
Who is your number one feminist idol and why? Sandra Cisneros is my number one feminist idol because her poetry and books have brought light to a lot of the sexism in Chicano communities, while empowering women both in her own community and beyond.
What does your ideal protest sign say? “We Won’t Go Back” with a coat hanger to remind anti-choicers that abortion does not stop, even if it’s illegal.
Ten years from now, what do you want the headlines to read about women’s rights and reproductive freedom? “Woman President Brings Women’s Rights to the Forefront,” “Federally Funded Abortion Clinic in Every County,” “Religious Right Finally Realizes Abstinence Only Education Does Not Work.”
What song would be on your feminist playlist? “Double Dare Ya” by Bikini Kill.
