Jodie Foster, the acclaimed actress, recently delivered a powerful speech at a rally hosted by the “Vote for Abortion” campaign in Phoenix. This campaign aims to raise awareness about the ongoing threats to reproductive rights, emphasizing the importance of protecting access to abortion, contraception, and comprehensive reproductive healthcare across the United States.

The rally featured prominent figures such as actresses Busy Philipps and Jodie Foster, alongside reproductive rights activist Deja Fox. Together, they highlighted the critical importance of the upcoming elections in light of the increasing number of anti-choice laws being passed nationwide. States like Louisiana, Alabama, Texas, and Florida have recently enacted stringent legislation that severely restricts women’s rights to make decisions about their own bodies.

Foster’s speech was particularly poignant as she recounted the story of Amanda Zurawski, a woman who was denied a medically necessary abortion in Texas. Zurawski’s harrowing experience, which included developing sepsis and spending days in the ICU, underscores the life-threatening consequences of denying women access to essential reproductive healthcare. Despite the clear danger to women’s health, the Texas Supreme Court upheld the restrictive abortion ban, highlighting the dire circumstances faced by women in Texas and other states with similar laws.

During her speech, Foster expressed deep gratitude for the brave women sharing their abortion stories, not out of desire, but out of necessity in these critical times. She emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating, “We are living in times where we all have to do a little bit more and say more, and that is urgent. This is an emergency.”

Foster passionately advocated for the right to abortion, whether due to a medical emergency or personal choice. She stressed that reproductive rights are not limited to young, straight, single women but are vital for queer people, mothers, fertility patients, trans people, and rape survivors. She also shared a personal note about her hopes for her two sons, wishing for them to have partners who love them and the freedom to make their own family planning decisions.

Foster’s message was clear: “We deserve the right to have an abortion, whether it’s a medical emergency or simply the right choice for you for reasons that you owe no one an explanation for.” She called for collective action to secure and uphold these essential rights, urging everyone to vote and drive change to protect access to comprehensive healthcare services for all.

The rally also underscored the broader implications of the fight for reproductive rights. The overturning of Roe v. Wade marked the beginning of a troubling trend, with individuals increasingly at risk due to radical Republican attacks on abortion, IVF, contraception, and essential reproductive healthcare services. The upcoming Supreme Court cases on abortion pill restrictions and Idaho’s near-total abortion ban further illustrate the critical need for continued advocacy and action.

Jodie Foster’s courage and dedication to speaking out for women’s rights serve as an inspiration to many. Her advocacy underscores the importance of defending the right of every woman to make decisions about her own body without interference. As the “Vote for Abortion” campaign gains traction, Foster’s powerful words remind us all of the ongoing struggle for reproductive justice, healthcare equity, and bodily autonomy.

In November, let’s use our votes to protect access to essential abortion care and uphold the rights of all individuals.