‘If she’s not MVP… shoot.’ Fever teammates say Kelsey Mitchell has a case
Fever guard Kelsey Mitchell is fourth in the WNBA in scoring and dropped 38 points in Indiana’s win over Connecticut on Sunday.
Indiana Fever players Kelsey Mitchell and Brianna Turner will headline an abortion rights fundraising event “Playing With Our Lives” on Aug. 21 in Carmel.
The WNBA stars will discuss the “the rapid decline of reproductive freedom” in the state, according to the press release from event host Indiana Reproductive Freedom PAC, along with the cofounders of Navigate Maternity, an organization that advocates for equity in birthing experiences. The talk follows a decision by the Indiana Court of Appeals last week that upheld the state’s near-total abortion ban, rejecting providers’ request that more health exceptions be allowed.
Mitchell, the Fever guard whose 38-point performance on Aug. 17 breathed life into an embattled franchise, has advocated for contraceptive access in the past through initiatives like Level The Court.
Turner is a recent addition to the Fever but is familiar with advocacy work. The forward holds a master’s degree in social justice and human rights and is also a mentor for the WNBA Changemaker Collective.
They’ll be joined by Navigate Maternity CEO Ariana McGee and chief medical officer Dr. Elicia Harris.
“This is a moment to bring our community together around truth, action and the shared belief that women deserve equal access to reproductive health care,” said Liane Hulka, Executive Director of Indiana Reproductive Freedom PAC, in the press release. “Kelsey and Brianna have been fearless voices for justice, and we’re honored to have them, along with Ariana and Elicia, who started a nationally recognized health tech company to fight back against our growing maternal health care crisis – especially among black women.”
Individual tickets cost $150 and come with a drink ticket and appetizers. Other ticket levels, which extend to as much as $10,000, allow attendees additional perks. Proceeds from the event will support the Indiana Reproductive Freedom PAC’s mission of amplifying political campaigns that promise to protect and expand reproductive health care access in Indiana.
The event is the PAC’s annual networking and fundraising event. It kicks off at 5 p.m. and will go until 7 p.m. at the Ritz Charles in Carmel.
Contact Marissa Meador at mmeador@gannett.com or find her on X at @marissa_meador.