Women’s sports leagues are speaking out in light of the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision Friday to overturn Roe v. Wade, which for nearly 50 years had established access to abortion as a constitutional right.
The reversal of Roe v. Wade leaves the fate of the right up to individual states, with more than 20 states set to reduce or ban access to abortions.
Individual athletes and teams have voiced their opinions, with leagues also issuing statements regarding the ruling Friday.
The WNBA released a joint message with the NBA condemning the Supreme Court’s move.
“The WNBA firmly believes people have the right to make their own personal decisions regarding their health,” the statement read. “We stand in solidarity with those who fear for the repercussions of the Supreme Court decision today and remain committed to our 2022 WNBA season focus on civic engagement.”
The WNBA firmly believes people have the right to make their own personal decisions regarding their health. We stand in solidarity with those who fear for the repercussions of the Supreme Court decision today and remain committed to our 2022 WNBA season focus on civic engagement. pic.twitter.com/RtuBdjbozP— WNBA (@WNBA) June 24, 2022
The WNBA firmly believes people have the right to make their own personal decisions regarding their health. We stand in solidarity with those who fear for the repercussions of the Supreme Court decision today and remain committed to our 2022 WNBA season focus on civic engagement. pic.twitter.com/RtuBdjbozP
NWSL commissioner Jessica Berman spoke on behalf of the league, saying, “Reproductive rights are human rights.”
Statement from Commissioner Berman and the NWSL: pic.twitter.com/MX1dkRMKUM— National Women’s Soccer League (@NWSL) June 24, 2022
Statement from Commissioner Berman and the NWSL: pic.twitter.com/MX1dkRMKUM
Athletes Unlimited denounced the landmark ruling, posting remarks on social media: “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 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. pic.twitter.com/KrOLozQ23y— Athletes Unlimited (@AUProSports) June 24, 2022
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. pic.twitter.com/KrOLozQ23y
The PHF issued a statement Friday, saying the league “supports a woman’s important and fundamental right to choose.”
Statement from the Premier Hockey Federation pic.twitter.com/KkTqB1IIjG— PHF (@PHF) June 24, 2022
Statement from the Premier Hockey Federation pic.twitter.com/KkTqB1IIjG
The LPGA, which faced backlash after not issuing a statement Friday, released a lukewarm message Saturday night addressing the ruling.
A message from the LPGA. pic.twitter.com/AC7oiVBR9j— LPGA (@LPGA) June 25, 2022
A message from the LPGA. pic.twitter.com/AC7oiVBR9j