Phoebe Bridgers: “I had an abortion in 2021 and sang in places where it is prohibited”

In June 2022, the United States began to discuss legal abortion more broadly following a Supreme Court decision. Until then, the right to terminate a pregnancy in the first few weeks was protected throughout the United States, but this legal understanding was annulled and each state began to decide on the issue autonomously — as a result, there are regions of the country where it is no longer possible. terminate the pregnancy.

Since then, the singer and guitarist Phoebe Bridgers began to speak out more broadly on the right to abortion. His most recent statement on the subject was given to the The Irish Timesa vehicle for which he confirmed having terminated a pregnancy in 2021, when this could be done in any American state.

“I had an abortion in 2021. And I played shows in many places in 2022 where it is illegal. Even if it’s not illegal in your state, it’s very difficult for poor people to access.”

Bridgers recognized that she has a great “privilege”, as she has the money to end an unwanted pregnancy and even to move to a state where it is possible to do so legally. This is not the reality of other women across the country.

“It feels weird to stand up for something that I’m not really involved with in any real way. No matter how you look at it, I’m a rich lady — I can go wherever I want to get an abortion now. We’re singing to kids who can’t do it. And for trans kids in Tennessee, where school completely oppresses them, it’s weird.”

The mention of Phoebe to Tennessee was not by chance. A recent bill in the US state attempted to ban drag queen shows on public property or any place where minors may be present. The measure was considered unconditional by a federal judge. Another initiative, signed in March, banned gender-affirming health care for children.

Other musicians speak out

When the United States Supreme Court overturned the decision that guaranteed the right to abortion throughout the country, several internationally known musicians spoke out. Pearl Jam, for example, released the following note on social media (via Igor Miranda website):

“No one, whether the government, politicians or the Supreme Court, should ban access to abortion, birth control and contraceptives. People must have FREEDOM of choice. Today’s decision impacts everyone, especially poor women who are unable to travel to access treatment. We will remain active in the fight, without backing down or giving up. Elections have consequences, join us.”

(2/2) Today’s decision impacts everyone and it will particularly affect poor women who can’t afford to travel to access health care.

We will stay active, we will not go back down and we will never give up.

Elections have consequences, please join us. Text CHOICE to 855-812-VOTE pic.twitter.com/iMngQ8CngB

— Pearl Jam 🇺🇦 (@PearlJam) June 24, 2022

In turn, the vocalist of Paramore, Hayley Williamsdeclared:

“It still seems impossible to understand that we live in a country so divided on basic human rights, that is, women’s health and reproductive rights. […] I’m so irritable and tired. I’m not the only one. I no longer post on this app [Instagram], but I downloaded it this morning to say something because it felt weird to have our team post my angry feelings towards me. I know there are countless organization leaders, activists, and citizens of this country who are here doing a thankless job to make any sign of progress. Keeping hope alive. Thank you so much to the people who are fighting for women’s rights every day and in ways I will never know. Today is NOT the end.”