How the Beauty Industry Is Standing Up for Reproductive Rights
On June 24, the United States Supreme Court overturned the 1973 landmark abortion case, Roe v. Wade, in a 6-3 decision. The legislature surrounding abortion will now go into the hands of each individual state, allowing the 13 states with trigger laws to eliminate the right to choose completely — limiting access to safe procedures across the country. Nearly half of the states are predicted to ban or at the very least enforce strict restrictions with Texas and Louisiana already banning abortions.
Women all over the country are losing fundamental rights to make decisions regarding their bodies. The beauty industry is following the lead of change-makers in the fashion realm and taking a stand against the Supreme Court's decision.
Elf Cosmetics. MAC, Getty Images
Prior to the decision, over 60 brands have signed as partners of Don't Ban Equality, a coalition backed by nonprofits like Planned Parenthood and the Center for Reproductive Rights that conducts research on why reproductive rights are imperative to business operations.
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Participants include about-face beauty, Anastasia Beverly Hills, Andalou Naturals, Andrew Fitzsimons Haircare, Beautyologie, Beekman 1802, Benefit Cosmetics, Beyond Yoga, Black Girl Sunscreen, Caire Beauty, Circumference, cocokind, CRUDE Personal Care, Dame Products, e.l.f. Beauty, Ellis Brooklyn, EMILIE HEATHE, Esker Beauty, Fenty Beauty, Fenty Skin, FUR, Ghost Democracy, Glossier, Inc., Glow Recipe, Golde, goop, GROWN ALCHEMIST, hanni, HBFIT, Hellablack, Hyper Skin, Innersense Organic Beauty Inc., JamieMakeup, Jenny Patinkin Eco-Luxe Beauty Tools, Joanna Vargas Skin Care, Keira Ashley (Brand), Kinship, KraveBeauty, KVD Vegan Beauty, KYPRIS, Lime Crime, Lip Lab, lululemon, Lush Cosmetics, MakeLoveNotPorn, MUTHA, natureofthings, Nuria Beauty, Ole Henriksen, Otherland, Pacifica Beauty, PATTERN Beauty, Plantkos, Saie, SAINT JANE, Sienna Naturals, Starface, State Of Menopause, Symbiome, Tenoverten, The Body Shop, The Little Market, Tower 28, Uni Refill System, Urban Skin Rx, Veracity, VIOLET GREY, VSPOT, ZIIP, and ZitSticka.
Individual brands outside the collective, both big and small, are donating proceeds and speaking out as well.
Read on to see what beauty brands are doing to ensure a woman's right to choose, and how you can help.
Rhode
After SCOTUS overturned Roe V. Wade on June 24, Hailey Bieber's new skincare line Rhode showed their support for reproductive rights on their Instagram. "We are heartbroken to hear the Supreme Court's decision to overturn Roe v. Wade," their caption read alongside a carousel of graphics. One included a statement from three of the justices who voted to keep the law intact, Stephen G. Breyer, Sonia Sotomayor, and Elena Kagan. "With sorrow — for this Court, but more for the many millions of American women who have today lost a fundamental constitutional protection — we dissent."
The brand also included a list of resources for those seeking accessible services.
Pattern Beauty
The hair care brand, founded by actress Tracee Ellis Ross, posted to Instagram over the weekend to share that they would be donating to Planned Parenthood "to ensure equal access to reproductive healthcare, assistance, & support nationwide."
"The Supreme Court's decision to overturn Roe V. Wade is a dangerous, calculated, and regressive curtailment of women's rights, and of our status as free and equal citizens; stripping women and birthing people of their right to govern their own bodies," one slide read. "Pattern always stands with democracy and human rights, and we support reproductive freedom and bodily autonomy. We are a company that is anchored in the celebration and freedom of our authenticity and wholeness."
Dr. Dennis Gross
Skincare brand, Dr. Dennis Gross posted on Instagram to announce that they would be pledging a donation to charity that "supports the right to choose."
"We believe that all women, including trans and non-binary people, have a right to body autonomy — the right to choose is essential."
Paula's Choice
Paula's Choice posted a powerful graphic on their Instagram grid that read: "Don't Ban Equality." In the caption, the skincare company reiterated the importance of reproductive healthcare, as well as promised employees resources that will aid them in receiving the care they need.
"Paula's Choice is proud to support the Don't Ban Equality Pledge," the brand wrote. "This pledge was created in response to the alarming trend of bans passing in states in 2019 that restricted access to comprehensive reproductive healthcare, including abortion."
They continued, "We acknowledge that restricting access to comprehensive reproductive care threatens the health, independence, and economic stability of our workers and our customers. We are committed to providing resources to our employees to ensure they have access to care."
Glow Recipe
The cult-favorite skincare brand posted a statement showcasing their support. "As a brand founded and led by two women, we will always use our platform and our voice to speak to any injustices, and we stand with women everywhere with hope to live in a safe space again where women can make choices about their own bodies, health, and circumstances," the wrote on Instagram before including a variety of resources for those in need.
Glossier
On June 24 following the Supreme Court's decision to overturn Roe V. Wade, Glossier showed their support for reproductive rights with a graphic shared to their Instagram that read, "There is no equality without access to comprehensive reproductive health care."
"We are incredibly saddened and disappointed by today's Supreme Court decision to overturn Roe v. Wade," the caption read. "We are committed to advocating for reproductive rights for everyone. We will continue to stand with our community and the #DontBanEquality Coalition."
The brand went on to list several resources and organizations, such as ACLU, Planned Parenthood, and Pro-Choice America.
Billie
Popular razor and body care brand, Billie, made its stance clear through an Instagram post shared shortly after the leak was made public. "From day one, we have celebrated and championed women's rights to make choices for themselves," the brand captioned its post. Billie also announced they had donated $100,000 to the American Civil Liberties Union to "help provide resources to those who are fighting to protect human rights," and encouraged others to do the same.
Ouai
Ouai, a haircare and wellness brand that's long been vocal about various social issues, posted on Instagram to raise money for the fundraising campaign, Keep Our Clinics. "The OUAI we see it—a woman is the only person who should make decisions about her body," the post's caption read. "Abortions are healthcare." In addition to an initial $15,000 donation, the brand pledged to donate $1 extra for every like the post received and linked to helpful resources and organizations.
MAC Cosmetics
The well-known cosmetics company continued its 19-year partnership with UNICEF by giving the organization a $1.5 million two-year grant a few days after the overruling was leaked. "This grant will support UNICEF's mission to end inequalities by helping close the HIV treatment gap and improve quality of care for women and girls around the world," MAC shared via Instagram.
e.l.f Cosmetics
e.l.f announced its plan to donate $25,000 to Planned Parenthood on Instagram while adding, "e.l.f. stands with a woman's right to choose and supports reproductive healthcare access for all. As a brand dedicated to empowering women, we believe in protecting women's rights." The cosmetics brand also shared that they'd match the amount of any employee donation and "cover the cost of travel and lodging to provide [its] employees with full access to reproductive care services."
Youth to the People
Vegan skincare brand, Youth to the People, also utilized social media to share a reproductive rights and healthcare access resource guide. "Whether you have a uterus or just believe anyone who does should have the right to decide what to do with it, we've put together a comprehensive list of resources for reproductive healthcare access for ALL," the brand caption an Instagram post. The guide included helpful information about how to contact representatives and where to donate.
Benefit Cosmetics
In an Instagram post, Benefit Cosmetics issued a note reiterating its partnership with Planned Parenthood. "Reproductive rights are healthcare rights. Period," the post read. "As a brand built by women in the 1970s, we're outraged the fight for #ReproductiveRights is just as prevalent today." The brand then urged followers to take action by donating and registering to vote.
