Athletes Use Their Platforms to Speak out Against Roe v Wade

It's only the second day of the new week, and the repercussions of the past weekend's decisions have shaken the world of women’s sports following the aftermath of the decision to ban legal abortion in the Roe v Wade ruling this past Friday.

Athletes in women's sports are using their online and social media platforms to raise awareness, speak out, and voice their opinions; whilst simultaneously competing at the highest level of their respective sports and winning. A decision that will likely change the landscape in the United States is being met with great global outcry and pushback.

The Friday ruling has created an uproar in the U.S., as the Supreme Court overturned the Roe v. Wade ruling that made abortion and reproductive healthcare a constitutionally protected right.

While the implications of the court's decision reach far beyond sports, the matter affects every athlete in a women’s sport in this country.

Athletes have not missed an opportunity to share their thoughts and feelings about the ruling. US Women's National Team forward Megan Rapino was clearly not happy as she spoke for almost 10 minutes prior to taking questions prior to her game against Colombia this weekend.“I just can’t understate how sad and how cruel this is … I think the cruelty is the point, because this is not pro-life by any means,” she said.

Sports leagues around the country have also made formal statements:

• "The WNBA firmly believes people have the right to make their own personal decisions regarding their health,” the league said in a joint statement with the NBA.

• NWSL commissioner Jessica Berman spoke on behalf of her league, saying, “Reproductive rights are human rights.”

• Athletes Unlimited also denounced the ruling: “The Supreme Court’s decision negates the rights of women to control their own bodies, and as such is counter to Athletes Unlimited’s core values.”

• The PHF issued a statement Friday, saying the league “supports a woman’s important and fundamental right to choose.”

• The LPGA initially declined to make a statement, but after receiving backlash, expressed their general support for the right to vote at the state level on reproductive issues.