There have been reports online today that TED has “a policy against discussing abortion.” We’re happy to confirm that that is not true. We’re listening carefully to the community’s concern, and we agree that abortion and reproductive care are core issues of social justice and human rights.
In one story, our colleague Kelly Stoetzel is quoted as saying: “Abortion is more of a topical issue we wouldn’t take a position on, any more than we’d take a position on a state tax bill.” Kelly’s quote was taken out of context. TED doesn’t take a position on issues. That’s not what we do.
TED is a platform for discussion. We are committed to a stance of open-mindedness and respectful dialogue. And we seek talks that build bridges and spark conversation.
Anyone familiar with our catalog of talks, events and discussions on women’s issues and equality knows these issues are near and dear to us. (A playlist follows.) We’re proud to have shared these talks and conversations on important issues with the world.
Abortion is a tough topic to talk about, for everyone, because of the passionate responses it evokes. You can see this on our conversation platform, where we host dozens of discussions among our community about abortion. We agree it’s an important issue, and look forward to continuing to promote the discussion of equality and social justice for women.
As a start, some TED Talks on social justice, access to reproductive health and equality. If you have great suggestions for reproductive-rights speakers, share your recommendation here >>
Esta Soler: How we turned the tide on domestic violence (Hint: the Polaroid helped)
Sheryl WuDunn: Our century’s greatest injustice
Melinda Gates: Let’s put birth control back on the agenda
Kavita Ramdas: Radical women, embracing tradition
Tyrone Hayes + Penelope Jagessar Chaffer: The toxic baby
Hanna Rosin: New data on the rise of women
Sheryl Sandberg: So we leaned in … now what?
Jackson Katz: Violence against women—it’s a men’s issue
Zainab Salbi: Women, wartime and the dream of peace
Courtney Martin: This isn’t her mother’s feminism
Megan Kamerick: Women should represent women in media
Noel Bairey Merz: The single biggest health threat women face
Deborah Rhodes: A test that finds 3x more breast tumors, and why it’s not available to you
Paula Johnson: His and hers … healthcare?
Manal al-Sharif: A Saudi woman who dared to drive
Kakenya Ntaiya: A girl who demanded school
