Athlete Ally Responds to SCOTUS Abortion Ruling
June 24, 2022 (New York, NY) — Athlete Ally responded today to news that the U.S. Supreme Court has voted to overturn Roe v. Wade and Planned Parenthood v. Casey through their decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization (JWHO). With this ruling, the Supreme Court is allowing Mississippi to enforce its harmful 15-week ban on abortion and is opening the door for state legislatures eager to further restrict and ban abortion. This decision is an unconscionable rollback of fundamental rights for all people in the U.S.
Today’s ruling coincides with the 50th anniversary (commemorated yesterday) of Title IX, landmark legislation passed in 1972 with the aim of protect students from discrimination based on sex. This is a watershed moment to highlight the need to protect gender equity, inclusive care and bodily autonomy.
In September 2021, Athlete Ally joined the Center for Reproductive Rights, Olympian Casey Legler and Chris Mosier in organizing and mobilizing 500+ elite athletes in women’s sports to sign onto an amicus brief supporting abortion rights. These athletes include U.S. soccer star Megan Rapinoe; WNBA star Diana Taurasi; U.S. women’s soccer national team captain Becky Sauerbrunn; and Layshia Clarendon, a former WNBA all-star.
“As women athletes and people in sports, we must have the power to make important decisions about our own bodies and exert control over our reproductive lives,” Megan Rapinoe said in a statement, as reported by ABC. “I am honored to stand with the hundreds of athletes who have signed onto this Supreme Court brief to help champion not only our constitutional rights, but also those of future generations of athletes.”
“It is well-established that women of color experience real disparities in accessing health care services, including contraceptive, abortion and other reproductive care,” Ashleigh Johnson, the first Black woman on the U.S. Olympic water polo team and member of the gold-medal 2016 and 2021 Olympic teams, said in a statement. “I hope we can have a real conversation as a country about valuing Black women’s autonomy.”
“We are heartbroken to learn of today’s ruling on abortion, and to know the effect will not be an end to abortion but rather an end to accessing safe abortion for millions across the country,” said Joanna Hoffman, Athlete Ally’s Director of Communications. “No one should have to risk their life while making the decision that is right for their own autonomy. We believe in a future where abortion is available in our communities, and people can make decisions about their bodies, their lives, and their futures. We are committed to working in support of our incredible partner organizations that provide safe abortion services, and to working together with athletes nationwide to speak out for abortion rights. This is not the end of the fight. This is the moment to fight for a future where abortion care is there for everyone who needs it.”
Learn more and take action here.