Human rights attorney Julie F. Kay, co-author of Controlling Women: What We Must Do Now to Save Reproductive Freedom, and ORLY Color Labs have launched a new shade of red nail polish, called “You Don’t Control Me,” for abortion/reproductive rights activists. The polish is part of a creative initiative to spur action to protect our rights as the Supreme Court looks to overturn Roe v. Wade later this month. Proceeds from all sales will benefit the Los Angeles-based nonprofit Women’s Reproductive Rights Assistance Project (WRRAP). 

“Regardless of when the Supreme Court’s ruling arrives, the floodgates for anti-abortion legislation have already opened in states controlled by anti-abortion legislators,” noted Julie F. Kay. “Wearing ‘You Don’t Control Me’ proclaims our support for reproductive rights and is a clever way to start a conversation about how we can join together to protect our rights. By supporting organizations like WRRAP, we can ensure that anyone who needs abortion access is able to get the care they need.”

The color “You Don’t Control Me” is a shade of red based on the cover of the book Kay co-authored with fellow attorney Kathryn Kolbert that was published by the Hachette Group in July 2021 in anticipation of the demise of Roe v. Wade. The book offers bold and inclusive new strategies, from holding legislators accountable to becoming vocal supporters of abortion as a human right. In recent years, state legislations have diminished access to abortion — and half the states are expected to outlaw abortion if Roe is overturned. Already, reproductive health care is out of reach for many, including those in rural areas, teens, those lacking financial resources, and disproportionately for women of color. 

“We are proud to collaborate with Julie F. Kay on this project to support WRRAP in their mission to help women continue to access critical care,” said ORLY Color Labs Manager Elina Gitig. “We believe that women are the best judge of what is right for them, their bodies, and their lives, and hope that women around the country (and the world) will stand in solidarity, paint their nails with ‘You Don’t Control Me,’ and take a stand in the fight ahead.”

As it stands, a majority of Americanssupport abortion rights and nearly one in four women will have an abortion in her lifetime. Kay emphasized the need to rally around a long-term, multi-pronged strategy to expand reproductive freedom and praised ORLY Color Labs for being a leader in standing up for women’s rights and health. Kay also encouraged people of all gender identities to wear the nail color in support of abortion rights and share their pictures on social media with the hashtag #YouDontControlMe.

“This initiative continues to highlight the important role companies like ORLY Color Labs play in building awareness worldwide and engaging individuals to wear “You Don’t Control Me,” to stand up for our fundamental human rights and help support WRRAP, the largest national independent non-profit abortion fund that provides abortion funding to patients from coast to coast,” said Sylvia Ghazarian, Executive Director of WRRAP.  “WRRAP commends Julie F. Kay and ORLY Color Labs for developing 'You Don’t Control Me' and are tremendously grateful to receive the proceeds from sales that will impact the lives of so many in our communities across the country.”