“You use your platform because you actually give a shit about reproductive freedom and justice,” Allen said from the stage. “And in this world, genuinely giving a shit is revolutionary.” Rodrigo returned the praise: “I love Lily Allen. She’s such a feminist icon. I remember listening to her as a kid and thinking, Wait—girls can say that? That’s so cool.”
The program continued with an energetic live auction, where guests raised their paddles for everything from weeklong security coverage at Planned Parenthood locations across New York to funding for vital healthcare services. Comedian and writer Amber Ruffin emceed the evening, keeping the energy high with humor: “I kind of liked being bullied by the auctioneer,” she joked.
Board chair William J. Borner and president and CEO Wendy Stark spoke to the organization’s far-reaching impact and paid tribute to the late Cecile Richards, former president of Planned Parenthood. The program also included pre-recorded messages of support from Nikki Glaser, Miranda July, and Chrissy Teigen.
Among those in attendance were Iris Apatow, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Karen Elson, AnnaSophia Robb, and Debbie Harry—who wore a self-designed dress. “I remember years ago when we didn’t have birth control, and we didn’t have access to abortion,” Harry told Vogue. “It was practically medieval. Planned Parenthood has ridden the storm through all of it—and hopefully, we’ll weather this one too.”
As dessert was served, Laverne Cox took the stage wearing a vintage Mugler bustier and delivered a powerful introduction for the Champion of Change honoree, Amanda Zurawski. Zurawski has become a leading voice in the fight for reproductive justice after nearly dying in Texas when denied a medically necessary abortion.
“People like you, Amanda, remind us that even when it’s terrifying, we can find the courage to speak the truth—and fight back against unjust, inhumane laws,” Cox said.
As she accepted the award, Zurawski’s words brought the room to a hush: “If you’ve heard my story, you’ve heard the story of countless other women who have found themselves in the same circumstances. Circumstances made possible only because of anti-choice policies.”
Rodrigo closed the evening with a message to her fans: “It’s important to stand up for what you believe in. Supporting organizations like Planned Parenthood and defending bodily autonomy means women are free to pursue their dreams and take control of their health and their lives.”
