This week, I had the privilege of traveling to Washington, D.C., to celebrate the milestone 55th anniversary of the nonprofit organization Reproductive Freedom for All (RFFA). The event was a testament to the unwavering dedication of RFFA’s president and CEO, Mini Timmaraju, a true hero in the fight for reproductive rights. Since the overturning of Roe v. Wade in 2022, Mini has become a guiding light and a tireless advocate, inspiring countless individuals to join the movement for reproductive freedom.
During my visit, RFFA honored me with the Rising Reproductive Freedom Champion award. This incredible recognition is a reminder of the responsibility we all share to continue the fight, to amplify our voices, and to do more. Freedom has always been a cornerstone of American society. But with the Dobbs decision, it was stripped away from an entire generation. As my mother, Melinda French Gates, poignantly stated at the time, “Get mad. Stay mad. But ask yourself: What are you going to do about it?” Since then, I have been actively engaging with experts, investing in organizations, and supporting activists who are working tirelessly to protect and advance reproductive rights.
At the celebratory event, surrounded by over 200 dedicated champions—including elected officials, activists, and representatives from partner organizations—I shared the stage with Kimberly Peeler-Allen, RFFA’s board chair. Kimberly is an inspiring leader who has dedicated her life to bridging the gap between race, gender, and politics, working tirelessly for over 20 years to create a more just and equitable society. Representative Ruben Gallego, who is running for the Senate in Arizona (one of 10 states where abortion is on the ballot this November), also joined us on stage. The conversation throughout the evening focused on the critical role that abortion rights are playing in shaping this election—both at the national and state levels. We are fighting for a future where reproductive rights are universally recognized as fundamental and inalienable, a future where the tragedies of Amber Nicole Thurman and Candi Miller—women who lost their lives due to preventable complications—are never repeated.
Voters across the nation understand that politicians have no place making decisions about a woman’s body. As Mini eloquently stated in her remarks, “That’s why, every time abortion has been on the ballot since Roe v. Wade was overturned, abortion rights have won. In California, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Montana, Ohio, and Vermont, voters have sent a clear message: ‘Come for our rights, and we’ll come roaring back.'”
Earlier that day, I had the opportunity to visit the DuPont Clinic, a beacon of hope in the face of the post-Dobbs landscape. The dedicated team at DuPont provides exceptional healthcare to women from across the country, including those who have bravely traveled from states where their bodily autonomy has been unjustly taken away. My generation faces a future with fewer rights than those who came before us. Yet, leaving Washington, D.C., I felt a surge of hope and energy, knowing that the champions I met—and the 41 million of my peers who are eligible to vote in this election on November 5—are not willing to stand idly by and wait for change. If we mobilize, elect Vice President Harris and Governor Walz to the White House, and secure key Congressional races across the country, we have the power to reclaim our rights through national legislation next year. Together, we can create a future where every individual has the freedom to make their own choices about their bodies and their lives.
