American footballer Megan Rapinoe has described the US Supreme Court’s ruling over abortion as ‘sad and cruel’.
The court overturned the landmark ruling of Roe v Wade, which means abortion is likely to be banned in nearly half of US states.
The constitutional right to choose abortion has existed for almost 50 years, but now the court has voted to overturn the rule.
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Crowds gathered outside the court in the capital when the ruling was announced, some celebrated whilst others rallied against what they think is an attack on women’s freedoms.
There has also been protests across the country as many people showed their discontent over the outcome.
And now, footballer Rapinoe, who has been a leading voice on human rights issues has had her say about the decision.
She said: “It's hard to put into words how sad a day this is for me personally, for my team mates, for all of the people who are out there who this is going to affect.”
“It will completely exacerbate so many of the existing inequalities that we have in our country. It doesn't keep one single person safer, it doesn't keep one single child safer, certainly, and it does not keep women safer.”
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Rapinoe added: “We know that the lack of abortion does not stop people having abortions, it stops people from having safe abortions.”
“I would encourage people to understand all of the different aspects that overturning Roe v Wade will have on everyone in the entire country.”
“I just can't understate how sad and how cruel this is.”
The two time World Cup winner has scored 62 goals in 187 appearances for her country, and also won Olympic gold with the USA team in 2012.
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Rapinoe isn’t the only elite sportsperson to disapprove the court’s decision. Seven time Formula One champion Lewis Hamilton took to social media to express his opinion on the matter.
He said on Instagram: “Disgusted by the decision made by the Supreme Court in the US today. I don't understand why some in power pushed and continue to push to strip rights away from millions of people.”
“This decision will impact the most vulnerable among us. Women, people of colour, members of the LGBTQIA+ community and so on.”
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At least 25 states are now ready to introduce new laws, or reactivate dormant law, which will make it illegal to have abortion in many cases, including where conception has resulted from rape.
Featured Image Credit: Twitter/@SkySportsTopics: Megan Rapinoe, USA, Football, Lewis Hamilton
