Why this footballer’s comments on the Alabama abortion ban can’t go ignored
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- Hollie Richardson
- Published
Footballer Héctor Bellerín has shared his support for women’s reproductive rights…
Since reports of the new abortion bans in several of America’s states, there have been some loud silences from high-profile, international male feminists who support the right of women to have an abortion.
Sadiq Khan, Barack Obama and Jeremy Corbyn are a few names that come to mind.
But – after it took 25 white men in the Alabama senate to criminalise abortion at any stage of pregnancy – it’s more important for male feminists to stand with women than ever before. Although no man should have a say on what women do with our bodies, their support on what we choose to do can only be a good thing.
This is why Arsenal FC and Spain International player Héctor Bellerín’s tweet about the abortion bill is meaningful in the global conversation. For starters, he’s the only prominent male player to speak out about it. Secondly, the tweet has prompted over 2.6 thousand of his 1.65 million followers – many of whom are male – to engage with the news and share their support. And lastly, Bellerín wasn’t afraid to point out that his industry should do more to highlight the attack against women’s reproductive rights.
“I wanted to see if anyone from our industry would speak out about the abortion bill, but I guess people are too scared,” he wrote. “This isn’t just an issue for women, it’s one for every human being. We fight for equality and this is something men should fight for and not hide away from.”
One Twitter user replied: “Absolutely thrilled to see a footballer using their platform to send a positive political message. Good on you!!! Now if only we could get more of this to support players coming out too. Solidarity.”
Another added: “You wear a kit I abhor but on this issue we are of the same mind. Good on you sir, you have my admiration for this statement.”
And a third wrote: “Well said mate, stand up for the things you believe in and be heard. Your opinion can affect many.”
Of course, Bellerín isn’t the only high-profile male to speak out in support of women. Canada Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said he is “deeply disappointed” by “backsliding” on abortion rights in the U.S. and around the world, and promised that Canada will remain a staunch defender of a woman’s right to choose.
Actor Chris Evans also called it “absolutely unbelievable” before adding, “This is why voting matters!”.
Although there are clearly so many pledges of support missing from the conversation, it’s important for us to remember those who do speak up at such a critical time.
Image: Getty