American sportsmen and women were quick to react to the decision of the United States Supreme Court on Friday to revoke the right to abortion at the federal level.
The Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) released a strong statement on Friday condemning the US Supreme Court’s decision to strike down federal abortion rights.
In a 5-3-1 decision, the court declared Roe v. Wade’s 1972 which granted women the unconstitutional right to choose and put abortion laws in the hands of the states.
“This decision shows a branch of government that is so out of touch with the country and any sense of human dignity”can we read in the press release of the WNBA.
He then encouraged Americans to vote: “We need to recognize that when we vote it is to elect leaders and to connect the dots to policies and legislation that align with our values.”
The reaction condemning the court’s decision was swift across the sporting world, with athletes taking to social media to air their views.
“So what about people who are not ready/qualified to be parents? … what kind of world will await some of these children. Sad day. Is America Backing Down?Denver Nuggets guard Austin Rivers said on Twitter.
Tennis great Billie Jean King also spoke. “The Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, who for nearly 50 years protected the right to abortion”she tweeted, before continuing “This decision will not end abortion. This will end safe and legal access to this life-saving medical procedure. It’s a sad day in America.”
About half of the states are on the verge of implementing laws banning abortion. Although California is not among them, the Los Angeles Sparks also released a statement opposing the move. “This decision deprives women of their fundamental right to autonomy over their own bodies”the team tweeted. “As we have for more than 25 years, the Los Angeles Sparks organization will continue to fight and defend women’s freedoms, health equity and social justice.”
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