Seven Top Actresses Join Center for Reproductive Rights to Release Draw the Line Monologues, United in Support for Women’s Reproductive Rights

Elizabeth Banks, Amy Brenneman, Mercedes Mason, Mary McCormack, Dascha Polanco, Retta and Bellamy Young perform real stories of women’s obstacles to access critical reproductive health care across the U.S.

Washington, DC–(ENEWSPF)–January 21, 2016. Ahead of the 43rd anniversary of Roe v. Wade, today the Center for Reproductive Rights released the new Draw the Line Monologues, a series of video vignettes performed by seven top actresses and activists Elizabeth Banks (Pitch Perfect), Amy Brenneman (The Leftovers), Mercedes Mason (Fear the Walking Dead), Mary McCormack (In Plain Sight), Dascha Polanco (Orange is the New Black), Retta (Girlfriends’ Guide To Divorce) and Bellamy Young (Scandal). The videos, directed by Betty Thomas (First Vice-President, Directors Guild of America), are inspired by stories submitted by American women about access to abortion care.

In the compelling, emotional videos, the actresses are bringing much-needed attention to the diverse experiences of women across the U.S. face when they have decided to make the very personal decision to end a pregnancy. The announcement comes on the heels of several amicus briefs filed at the U.S. Supreme Court in support of Whole Women’s Health v. Cole detailing dozens of women’s personal abortion stories. The U.S. Supreme Court will hear oral arguments on the case March 2, 2016.

The Center for Reproductive Rights worked with each of the individual women to develop the scripts so they accurately reflected their gripping personal experiences. The stories were submitted to the Center’s Draw the Line campaign by women across the country who were inspired to speak out as a way to urge more Americans to stand up for reproductive rights.

Said Nancy Northup, president and CEO of the Center for Reproductive Rights:

“The stories highlighted by these incredible actresses tell the important and moving story of women who face many obstacles to access their constitutionally-protected right to an abortion. We’re so grateful to Amy, Bellamy, Dascha, Elizabeth, Mary, Mercedes, and Retta for using their talent and voice to help amplify these incredible stories.

“The reality is that one in three women in the U.S. will have an abortion at some point in her lifetime. And for the last 43 years, our constitutional rights have protected each of those women’s decisions.

“As we prepare to argue for women’s access to safe, legal abortion services before the U.S. Supreme Court, we need to make it clear to politicians exactly what’s at stake when they attack our reproductive freedom and fundamental rights.

“This is about real women’s lives, health, and families. It’s time to stand up and be heard. It’s time to say that enough is enough, and that we are drawing the line.”

The Draw the Line Monologues is the latest video series from the Draw the Line campaign and marks the first time women’s personal stories have been told by prominent actresses. Previous Draw the Line videos have featured: actress and activist Jemima Kirke; actor and reproductive rights advocate Mark Ruffalo; model, author, and Bravo “Top Chef” host Padma Lakshmi; and Tony and multiple Grammy Award winner Dee Dee Bridgewater.

With the launch of these new videos, now men and women around the country are encouraged to take the Draw the Line Challenge and show the Supreme Court that it’s time to #drawtheline against attacks on safe, legal abortion.