SYSTEM DISRUPTERS
Leaders whose innovative solutions are disrupting healthcare through systemic change
Amy Merrill
Co-Founder
Plan C
Amy Merrill is an artist & activist at the intersection of creative communications, tech and social change. In 2015, she co-founded Plan C to catalyze the transformative potential of direct access to abortion pills in the US. Amy serves as advisor for emergency contraception brand Julie (juliecare.co) and abortion chatbot Charley (chatwithcharley.org). She holds 20+ years working on complex social issues which led to purpose-led creative studio Eyes Open (eyesopendesign.com). She was named in Fast Company’s 2023 Most Creative in Business, and she performs and explores futurist ideas in her concept band Formerly Alien (formerlyalien.com).
Q: What motivates you to continue working towards change each day?
A: The solutions I work on in gender equity and reproductive health are hopeful: loving and person-centered, grounded in a vision of a more liberatory world that I still believe is possible. Building toward them allows me practice living in this world.
Q: What accomplishment(s) are you most proud of from 2023?
A: Witnessing significant shifts in acceptance and understanding of the self-managed method of abortion pills and virtual support, thanks to our work. This allows me to relax and know that behind each one of us there are 10 more to carry it forward.
