One advantage anti-abortion activists have in their fight to control other people’s bodies is that most folks who have had abortions keep their stories private. Few are willing to come forward publicly to say “I had an abortion.” Or “I had an abortion and I’m glad I did.”
Personal stories are largely missing from the public discussion of abortion as a reproductive right. We are missing compelling accounts of how abortions give people the opportunity to have children when and if they are ready, often completing schooling or finding loving partners before embarking on parenthood.
Pro-choice activists are hoping to break this culture of silence. 1 in 3 American women have an abortion before they are 45 years old. This year Advocates for Youth organized the 1 in 3 Abortion Speakout calling for people to end the silence and stigma around abortion.
What do reproductive rights and sex toy stores have in common? It’s all about autonomy and our right as people to control our bodies. One facet is sexual pleasure, another is reproductive choice, another is gender expression… there is a lot of intersection in these fights for self-determination.
At Babeland we are staunch supporters of reproductive freedom, and consider abortion access to be a fundamental feminist concern. This year we are exceptionally proud to partner with Planned Parenthood. Here is Claire’s letter announcing the partnership:
Friends-
Sexual pleasure has a new ally and Babeland has a new Come For a Cause partner- Planned Parenthood! That’s right, Babeland and Planned Parenthood have teamed to up create The Pleasure Kit. The Pleasure Kit is a fun, high-quality beginner's sex toy kit which will sell in a pilot program through the Virginia League for Planned Parenthood clinics and at Babeland. This partnership will raise funds for Planned Parenthood as well as shine a light on sexual pleasure as a healthy thing.
We are honored that Babeland, out of all the sex toy retailers, was chosen as their partner in promoting sexual pleasure. Planned Parenthood's work providing comprehensive reproductive and other crucial health care services is invaluable. Their mission dovetails with the work we do at Babeland with our customers every day. Both Babeland and Planned Parenthood share a guiding principle: that sexual health and self-determination are at the foundation of a happy, fulfilling life.
This partnership came about in response to Planned Parenthood's clients' requests for more information about sexual pleasure. We applaud the response! Making a sex toy kit available to clients seeking sexual health care services acknowledges that sexual pleasure and self-knowledge are good for you.
It's hard to overstate the respect we have for Planned Parenthood and the life-saving work they do. We proudly stand behind their commitment to provide women access to safe and legal abortions. In a year when Planned Parenthood saw attacks on both its funding and its clients, we urge you to support them in whatever capacity your time, energy and pocketbook will allow.
