Latto Joins Planned Parenthood For Abortion Rights
Hip-hop artist Latto has a lot to say about the Supreme Court’s decision to take away the constitutional right to abortion. In a newly released PSA video, Latto teamed up with Planned Parenthood, using her platform to call on her supporters to join the fight for abortion rights and access. Latto is nominated for 3 MTV Video Music Awards — including Best New Artist and Video for Good for her song “P*SSY.” This award category celebrates artists who use their videos to create a rapid-response call to action for social justice. The awards show airs this Sunday, August 28, 2022.
This week marks two months since the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, taking away our constitutional right to abortion. The court’s decision has resulted in a nationwide public health crisis. Nearly a third of U.S. states have abortion bans in effect, meaning one in three American women, and more trans and nonbinary people who can become pregnant, have already lost access to the right to control their own bodies.
Latto’s track “P*SSY” s a reply to the overturning of Roe v. Wade and sends a strong message about who has the right to control our bodies and decisions. In addition to using her platform to spread awareness about this crisis, Latto is also donating a portion of the proceeds from the song’s release to Planned Parenthood. Latto chose powerful women to collaborate with on this important release – including director Sara Lacombe, who co-directed alongside Latto, and artist Katie McIntyre, who created the cover art.
Latto hails from Clayton County in Georgia, a state that recently enacted a six-week abortion ban (H.B. 481). The law allows the state to criminalize essential health care just two weeks after a person’s first missed period — before many people even know they are pregnant.
Statement from Latto:
“We already know who’s going to be hurt the most by these ridiculous abortion bans: Black women, Brown women, the LGBTQ+ community, and communities with low incomes. Because of this country’s history of racism and discrimination, these folks already have a hard time getting the health care they need. We all deserve to be safe and it’s every person’s right to make decisions about their own bodies. As an artist, I want to use my platform to let these politicians know: My body is for no one to control, but me.”
Statement from Caren Spruch, national director, Arts & Entertainment Engagement at Planned Parenthood Federation of America:
“We’ve been privileged to have the support of many wonderful musical artists who are speaking out about the attacks on abortion. When a prominent artist like Latto uses their platform to amplify the need for reproductive rights for all, it’s a very powerful moment. Latto’s voice will do so much to inspire others to use their voices, too, and we are thrilled that she is speaking her truth. In this time of widespread loss of abortion access, the time for us all to speak up is now.”
“We’ve been privileged to have the support of many wonderful musical artists who are speaking out about the attacks on abortion. When a prominent artist like Latto uses their platform to amplify the need for reproductive rights for all, it’s a very powerful moment. Latto’s voice will do so much to inspire others to use their voices, too, and we are thrilled that she is speaking her truth. In this time of widespread loss of abortion access, the time for us all to speak up is now.”