ST. LOUIS — Social media exploded Wednesday morning after a photo claiming free birth control pills were handed out at Olivia Rodrigo's St. Louis concert went viral Tuesday evening.
The claims were verified by the pill's maker, Julie, in a statement to 5 On Your Side. The company confirmed the pills were handed out during the singer's GUTS world tour through her foundation and the Missouri Abortion Fund.
"As part of Olivia Rodrigo’s Fund 4 Good – the Missouri Abortion Fund handed out morning-after pill Julie and condoms at Olivia’s concert in St. Louis," a spokesperson said in an email. "Julie, launched in September 2022 after the overturn of Roe v. Wade, is a morning-after pill brand built to change the conversation around EC and expand access for the communities in greatest need."
Rodrigo's Fund 4 Good supports community non-profit efforts that "champion girls' education, support reproductive rights and prevent gender-based violence," according to the initiative's website. The fan announced the initiative on TikTok on Feb. 23.
Multiple anti-abortion groups aired their grievances on social media while others thanked and praised the singer and the Missouri Abortion Fund for providing the pills.
"Replacing the stigma and shame often associated with emergency contraception with access, exploration, and education is core to who we are, and we're thankful for artists like Olivia Rodrigo and initiatives like the Missouri Abortion Fund who share our mission," the Julie spokesperson said. "Through Julie for All, for every morning after-pill purchased, we donate one to someone in need. We're proud to have donated over 1M units to 300+ partners nationwide."
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