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As Part of a Series of Intimate Conversations on Reproductive Health Care in Black Owned Businesses

New York, NY — On Wednesday, November 7 Planned Parenthood partnered with Melissa Butler to convene an intimate dialogue about destigmatizing abortion in Black communities. The Salon Engagement was hosted by Melissa Butler, founder and CEO of The Lip Bar, a vegan beauty brand that challenges the Western beauty standards we live by. The dialogue highlighted  the experiences of intergenerational Black women — while giving them the space to be open and honest as a way to combat abortion stigma within the community. This event is a part of a new series of partnerships with Black owned businesses, beauty salons, and barbershops to cultivate authentic and meaningful conversations within Black communities — and provide information about the sexual reproductive health care issues that affect their lives, autonomy, and well-being.

Melissa Butler, Founder and CEO, The Lip Bar:

“The freedom to plan our futures — including if and when to have children — is key to Black women’s success. Black women already face systemic barriers to accessing reproductive health care. We deserve a space to be open about the decisions we make for our bodies and lives. When I spoke publicly about my abortion, I was met with hundreds of messages from women thanking me for my honesty, bravery, and truth. The fact is, no one deserves to be ashamed or remain silent for making their own choices. I’m honored to partner with Planned Parenthood for the Salon Engagement to empower women to claim their bodily autonomy.”  

 

Jamesa Bailey, Associate Director, Black Campaigns, Planned Parenthood Federation of America:

“Access to reproductive health care is a human right  — a right that has not historically been equally bestowed upon all communities. Planned Parenthood believes our bodies are our own  and storytelling is a powerful organizing tool in Black communities as our rights, health, and lives remain under threat. We are honored to have the opportunity to partner with Melissa Butler, an amazing advocate, supporter, and storyteller for reproductive freedom. Everyone has the right to decide when or whether to have a child and raise that child in a safe and healthy environment. Our Salon Engagement series is one of the many ways we demonstrate our commitment to Black communities — working to ensure that all people have the tools, information, and support to make their own decisions about their bodies, families, and lives.”

 

Planned Parenthood is using the Salon Engagement Series to raise awareness on the abortions bans sweeping the country, and the #BANSOFFMYBODY campaign that was created as a response and a reclamation of our bodies and our rights. Aboriton bans have a greater impact on Black communities, because systemic racism results in economic inequities that create barriers to accessing health care. In June, more than 180 CEOs banded together to publish a letter in a full-page ad in The New York Timescalling the rash of abortion bans “bad for business,” and declaring their opposition to these attacks on reproductive health care. Businesses are joining the movement — advocating for reproductive health, rights, and access. It has never been more clear that the vast majority of people in the U.S. support access to safe and legal abortion.

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 Planned Parenthood is the nation’s leading provider and advocate of high-quality, affordable health care for women, men, and young people, as well as the nation’s largest provider of sex education. With more than 600 health centers across the country, Planned Parenthood organizations serve all patients with care and compassion, with respect and without judgment. Through health centers, programs in schools and communities, and online resources, Planned Parenthood is a trusted source of reliable health information that allows people to make informed health decisions. We do all this because we care passionately about helping people lead healthier lives.

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