“The court, which is mostly male, decides about my body,” says Rapinoe.
Image: AP
Role models like Megan Rapinoe are barometers for moods in society. They have fought for rights and are alarmed when women can no longer decide for themselves whether to have an abortion.
“My body, my choice” reads the placards of women protesting after the US Supreme Court overturned the precedent Roe v. Wade” has tipped. The Supreme Court’s decision deprives women of the opportunity to make decisions about their bodies. Who better to say something about this than female athletes who train their bodies every day and have to decide again and again: What do I expect of it?
The voices of the political athletes quickly became loud after the decision – again. Megan Rapinoe, Soccer: “The court, mostly male, decides my body and the bodies of other women.” Coco Gauff, Tennis: “The sad part is that this isn’t going to stop abortion. . . it will only increase illegal and unsafe abortions.” Lexie Brown, Basketball: “So much is happening in this country. And that’s what you want to focus on?” All three are examples of women using their power as athletes to reach out to what this debate is really about: other women. Who use their reach to communicate with young target groups on topics that concern them.
