By: Emily Hur
For the last decade, comedian and abortion rights activist Lizz Winstead has been educating both men and women about abortion rights using comedy.
Winstead has been mixing politics and humor her whole career. She is the co-creator of “The Daily Show” which reports recent news stories through comedic hosts. She is also the host and director of Air America, a left-wing radio show. Winstead has advocated for various issues, but her primary focus has always been on abortion.
She founded a US non-profit called Abortion Access Front, or AAF, that “travels the country doing comedy and providing aid and comfort to independent clinics in hostile states,” according to their website. Their goal is to make abortion a basic human right and eliminate the embarrassment commonly associated with it.
Many view abortion as an embarrassing flaw because of the social implications. Women usually have a highly personal reason for terminating their pregnancy, and they want to keep that side of themselves hidden. Whether they struggle with dating abuse, financial issues, or religious beliefs, they do not need to add a high maintenance baby to complicate their lives.
They also frequently feel guilty for ending a life before it began, even if it was the best option at the time. Some pro-life supporters would criticize women for their decision, amplifying their guilt and shame and weakening their self-esteem. AAF works to help women feel better about their abortion and sympathize with their situations.
AAF believes that anyone can contribute to the cause, either through marches or monetary support. However, people should not feel obligated to attend every protest or event. “If you have 10 minutes a month to give, I can give you something to do that’s meaningful,” Winstead said. “And I don’t want you to feel bad that that’s all you can give. Life is too messed up right now.”
Multiple cities offer different volunteer opportunities. An abortion clinic in Huntsville, Alabama asked AAF volunteers to plant hedges around the building to help prevent anti-abortion protests. Another clinic in Detroit wanted volunteers to host a block party to celebrate acceptance and gratitude for the community. Anything is on the table as long as it helps.
AAF holds events across the country as well as online. Live events can come in a variety of forms, such as sketches, music, stand-up comedy, or simple conversations with local abortion clinics. Last Sunday, they gathered 85 abortion activists to hold “Operation Save Abortion,” a virtual, daylong workshop to discuss ways to get involved in advocating.
The organization also has a weekly podcast, “Feminist Buzzkills Live,” that covers news related to abortion, misogyny, and white supremacy. The hosts invite experts in politics, reproductive health, and activism to share their professional opinions. Despite the serious topics, the podcast uses jokes and comedy to keep the atmosphere light.
But why do they use humor? “The more complicated the issues are, the more humor can break things down to their basic points, and clarify things,” W. Kamau Bell, a comedian and CNN host, said. Bell was in an AAF video called “Dads for Choice” that talked to men about abortion costs. He thinks that “humor can invite people in,” when discussions get too uncomfortable or embarrassing.
AAF has been fighting for abortion rights for years, way before Roe v. Wade was overturned, but the organization took a hard blow from the recent case ruling. Yet, Winstead said, “we are more motivated to fight and stay in the fight. And be relentless.”