The American Civil Liberties Union announced that Busy Philipps — New York Times bestselling author, actor, activist, and writer — will join the organization’s Artist Ambassador Program to advocate for reproductive freedom. This follows years of on-the-ground advocacy, from working with the ACLU in states like Ohio in the successful ballot measure to protect reproductive freedom in the state’s constitution to lobbying with the ACLU for the successful passage of Pregnant Workers Fairness Act in Congress, and calling other artists and entertainers into action to protect bodily autonomy.
Philipps formally joins the Artist Ambassador Program during a pivotal year for reproductive freedom with two abortion-related cases before the Supreme Court: one on whether states can bar hospitals from providing abortions to patients in emergency circumstances, and one on whether to impose severe restrictions on an abortion pill. The cases will be decided in early summer, as well as critical elections throughout the country later this year.
Statement from Busy Philipps, actress, activist, and ACLU Artist Ambassador for Reproductive Freedom:
“The stories that we tell are one of the most powerful ways we have to change people’s hearts and minds. Since the first time I used my platform to speak out about my own experience having an abortion when I was a teenager, I have seen firsthand the impact that being vocal about important issues can have for helping people to understand how accessing abortion has put power back into people’s hands. I’m honored to be able to use my microphone to share the importance of being able to access reproductive health care and advocating alongside the ACLU to protect and expand access to essential care.”
Philipps has starred in numerous movies and television since her breakout role in “Freaks and Geeks” in 1999. In 2018, Philipps released a collection of humorous autobiographical essays in her book, “This Will Only Hurt a Little,” which was immediately a New York Times bestseller, offering unfiltered and candid stories about her life. Currently, Philipps stars in the hit comedy series “Girls5eva” opposite Sara Bareilles, with a third season coming out in March 2024 on Netflix. Produced by Tina Fey, the acclaimed series centers on a one-hit wonder girl group from the ’90s who try for another chance at pop stardom. Philipps can also be seen in Paramount’s “Mean Girls” inspired by the 2004 original and Tony-nominated Broadway show, playing Regina George’s Mom — a fan favorite. Recently, she also appeared in a scene-stealing recurring turn in three episodes of Freeform’s hit comedy series “Single Drunk Female.” In 2020, Philipps launched her podcast “Busy Philipps is Doing Her Best” with her creative partner, Caissie St. Onge, featuring conversations reflecting on when setbacks led to better opportunities.
Statement from Jessica Herman Weitz, director of artist & entertainment engagement nationwide at the ACLU:
“We are thrilled to formalize Busy’s role as an ACLU Artist Ambassador after years of Busy’s tireless advocacy fighting for abortion access for all. From working to end abortion stigma through her #youknowme campaign to using every opportunity to leverage her platform and privilege as an artist to give voice to those without a microphone, Busy has been a creative collaborator and a true example of an artist-activist. Whether having conversations with friends and family or highlighting issues on the red carpet, each of us can make a meaningful impact. At this critical moment for abortion rights and our democracy, we look forward to working with Busy to ensure we the people hold the power over our own bodies in our country — not politicians.”
The ACLU Artist Ambassador Project ties influential creative artists and influencers in film, television, music, comedy, and literature with public education and advocacy for key ACLU issues. Each Ambassador works with the ACLU on specific civil liberties issues, which include: immigrants’ rights, voting rights, rights of LGBTQ people, women’s rights, reproductive rights, reducing mass incarceration, racial justice, and privacy and security. Other examples of how artists work with the ACLU include:
- Padma Lakshmi traveling to the Southern border to meet with asylum seekers
- Videos to combat book bans and classroom censorship, like those with Jessica Williams, Tom Morello, Randall Park, and Pamela Adlon
- Supreme Court advocacy, like this one featuring Laverne Cox, Miss Peppermint and others for ACLU client Aimee Stephens and and this one with Ike Barinholtz around the 2020 Census
- Long form conversations on ACLU’s podcast, “At Liberty,” like these with Jon Batiste and Sasha Colby
- Social posts like Judy Blume for National Librarian Day
