NEW YORK — In a powerful ad placed in Tuesday's New York Times newspaper, pleasure products manufacturer Dame Products took a stance supporting women's reproductive rights and the pro-choice movement alongside six other female-fronted companies.
Co-founders Alexandra Fine and Janet Lieberman joined representatives from Loom, Cora, Clary Collection, Thinx, Fur and Sustain Natural in a co-opted open letter which read, “Abortion is: a human right, a constitutional right, a personal choice, health care, lifesaving, gene equality, owning your own body, not a time, not up for debate.”
The bold declaration comes just days after Alabama Governor Kay Ivey signed into law the country's most restrictive abortion ban since 1973's Roe v. Wade landmark decision.
In the letter, the luminary women shine a light on corporate America's long-time silence regarding sexual and reproductive health and urge other organizations to join them in unambiguous and enthusiastic support of women's right to choose.
"Today, we loudly and boldly declare that we will not be silent in defense of fundamental human rights and we challenge our peers in the business community to do the same," reads the letter. "Now is the time to speak up. Together we can defeat these unconstitutional attacks on our rights."
Proud to join @CoraWomen @DameProducts @sustain @clarycollection @thisisloom & Fur in the @nytimes today. As our CEO @mmolland said, "Together, we can beat these unconstitutional laws and ensure that all people with periods are empowered with access to comprehensive healthcare." pic.twitter.com/pDPSICYlJu
— THINX (@SheTHINX) May 21, 2019
In the wake of the letter, companies are reaffirming their support and continuing to draw attention to the issue via social media.
We’ve joined forces with @shethinx, @sustain, @thisisloom, @fur_you, @clarycollection, and @corawomen in collective action against the recent policies putting the lives of people who have a uterus at risk now more than ever. Thanks, @nytimes. #mybodymybusiness #stopthebans pic.twitter.com/cV0V5dPxFR
— Dame Products (@DameProducts) May 21, 2019
In an article penned by Melanie Curtin, Dame's Fine told Inc.com, "I've worked at Planned Parenthood — it's never an easy decision. I've held the hands of women during their procedures. I know the gravity of their decisions and safety we offered them on one of their darkest days."
In this bold proclamation, Dame and its constituents have set the precedent for other companies to follow. Particularly, as brands who cater to an entirely female demographic, the letter is a resounding display of solidarity and corporate responsibility — the likes of which are rarely seen.
As Fine summed up for Inc., "We are the future and we will fight to protect women's wellbeing."
For more information and related coverage, follow the hashtags #stopthebans and #mybodymybusiness on Twitter.
