Legendary rock singer-songwriter Stevie Nicks is using her voice and platform to advocate for abortion rights, inspired by personal experiences and the recent setbacks in U.S. federal protections. In an interview with CBS Sunday Morning, Nicks expressed a deep connection to the issue, having faced a similar situation in the 1970s when she chose to have an abortion—an experience that she now recounts as pivotal to her career with Fleetwood Mac.
Nicks’ Personal Connection to Abortion Rights
The 76-year-old rock icon’s new single, The Lighthouse, serves as a call to action, inspired by the U.S. Supreme Court’s 2022 decision to overturn Roe v. Wade, which had protected the right to abortion nationwide since 1973. Nicks explained that her decision to undergo an abortion in the late 1970s, after becoming pregnant with singer Don Henley, was made with her band’s future in mind. At the height of Fleetwood Mac’s success, particularly after the release of their Grammy-winning album Rumours, Nicks knew that motherhood would require her to step away from the relentless touring and recording schedules.
Reflecting on her decision, Nicks shared, “I cannot have a child. I am not the kind of woman who would hand my baby over to a nanny, not in a million years.” For her, the option of abortion allowed her to pursue a musical journey that shaped rock history.
Advocating Through Music: The Lighthouse
Released in September, The Lighthouse channels Nicks’ fierce stance on women’s rights, likening herself to a guiding light for women’s advocacy and urging listeners to “stand up” against the erosion of their rights. Her lyrics, “They’ll take your soul, take your power, unless you stand up, take it back,” resonate as a rallying cry to voters facing a pivotal election season. With 2024 presidential hopefuls offering sharply divided stances on abortion, Nicks wants her message to reinforce the urgency for action.
As she explains, her music offers a platform to reach people beyond interviews, and she felt a responsibility to “do something” as the rollback of abortion rights created shockwaves across the nation.
An Unwavering Stance Amidst Criticism
Nicks has been transparent about her decision to have an abortion, previously telling Rolling Stone and The Guardian that her dedication to her career and the band made her choice clear. She openly stated that she does not regret her decision, remarking, “My life was my life, and my plan was my plan and had been since I was in the fourth grade.” Acknowledging potential backlash, she added that her path allowed her to help solidify Fleetwood Mac’s legacy without compromise.
The Role of Artists in Social Issues
With The Lighthouse, Nicks continues the tradition of musicians addressing social and political issues through their art. She hopes her music not only entertains but inspires listeners to consider their own roles in the fight for rights. As America heads into an election season where the future of reproductive rights will be on many ballots, Nicks’ words reflect her determination to make a difference.
For Nicks, who has long been a symbol of empowerment and resilience, The Lighthouse isn’t just a song—it’s a beacon, urging others to protect their autonomy and strive for a future where rights are restored and respected.
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