On Friday, advocates for reproductive rights gathered at The Union, located at 18 W. Union St., for a night of live music, conversation and fundraising for Planned Parenthood of Greater Ohio.
The Athens Community Leadership Council hosted “Rockin’ For Reproductive Rights,” which began at 8 p.m. Bailey Shooner, a CLC volunteer and co-chair of the event, described the organization's goals and inspiration for the event.
“We are a volunteer group that's based in Athens and the area around Athens,” Shooner said. “We are passionate advocates working to support and uplift reproductive rights, access to healthcare and community education.”
The evening was energized by live performances from three local bands, each donating their time and talents to support Planned Parenthood. Jillian Kay & the Jewels kicked things off, performing a mix of original songs and covers. Next, Coconut Head and Domecrusher took the stage, followed by DJ Muchi Nochi, who wrapped up the night’s festivities.
Jasper Ochenas, a sophomore studying studio art, attended the event to listen to music while going out for a friend’s birthday, but also to support Planned Parenthood.
“I come to The Union a lot,” Ochenas said. “I love the atmosphere here, but I am here supporting, absolutely. I think that reproductive rights are a really important part of our country, and I think they’re a really important part of life in general.”
Attendees paid a cover fee of $10 to enter, with the entire amount donated by The Union to support the cause. Additionally, the CLC set up a donation table featuring a “Split the Pot” raffle. Half of the proceeds from the raffle went toward the donation total, while the other half will be awarded to one winner.
The event raised over $2,100 in total, with the final amount still being tallied. Shooner reflected on the significance of the event and the importance of donating for reproductive rights.
“We are navigating times right now that feel like our reproductive rights are very much under attack, and there is a lot that feels kind of beyond any one individual's control,” Shooner said. “I think that what we can do is just show up in our communities to support the things that we care about.”
All proceeds will be donated to PPGOH, where funds will be dispersed according to need across the state. This could include any of the organization's 15 locations, including the clinic in Athens.
The Athens clinic is closed Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays. It is open Mondays from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Wednesdays 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Fridays 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Melissa Ramirez, vice president of development at Planned Parenthood, explained how the Athens clinic plays a crucial role in providing services following the U.S. Supreme Court's decision to overturn Roe v. Wade in June 2022.
“Athens is our southernmost health center in Ohio, and since the passing of the constitutional amendment last year, we've seen many people traveling from out of state,” Ramirez said. “For many, Athens is their first stop to receive the care they need.”
In November 2024, the Athens Planned Parenthood center moved to a new location on 416 W. Union St., expanding its facilities and services to provide medication abortions, according to Ramirez.
Olivia Rohde, a donor stewardship officer at Planned Parenthood, discussed how Planned Parenthood additionally provides cancer screenings, STI tests, gender-affirming care, birth control and other basic health services.
“We’ve done a lot to enhance some of our primary care,” Rohde said. “We’re not able to do everything that a typical physician would, but annual checkups, things like that, I think are super important to be able to provide in addition to reproductive health.”
The fundraiser was not only a fundraising effort but also meant to inform Athens residents about these essential services offered right down the street.
“I think that this is really going to help build awareness that Planned Parenthood isn’t just for reproductive healthcare,” Rohde said. “It’s not just for women, it’s for everyone. It’s care, no matter what.”
