Spanish footballer Héctor Bellerín has called out the football world for its silence over Alabamas near-total abortion ban.
He says he tried to get people in the industry to speak out against the draconian law but says people are too scared to speak up.
The Arsenal right-back called on men to stop hiding away from the issue and said the bill isnt just an issue for women.
The players tweet fetched plenty of praise from fans who called him an example on and off the pitch.
He told followers: I wanted to see if anyone from our industry would speak out about the abortion bill, but I guess people are too scared.
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This isnt just an issue for women, its one for every human being. We fight for equality and this is something men should fight for and not hide away from.
He was praised for using his platform to enlighten people and for talking about the difficult things and for never backing down.
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Patrick Timmons commented: Crucial on the pitch and a true role model off it. When others would rather stay quiet about pressing issues, you consistently draw attention to environment, discrimination, charity work, the importance of being yourself and now this. Youre a true credit to the club.
In a video for Arsenal last year Bellerín said he thought footballers had a responsibility to use their influence to help the world.
The 24-year-old vegan said: I think as footballers, we have a massive platform that we should use way more than we actually are.
I wanted to see if anyone from our industry would speak out about the abortion bill, but I guess people are too scared. 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.
— Héctor Bellerín (@HectorBellerin) May 17, 2019
On Wednesday the Alabama senate approved a law which makes abortion illegal in almost all cases.
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The ban which was passed 25-6 even forbids abortions in cases where women have fallen pregnant through rape or incest.
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The bill just needs to be signed by Republican Governer Kay Ivey before it can become law, after which anyone caught performing an abortion could face up to 99 years in prison.
However women receiving abortions would not be held criminally liable.
The news has sparked outrage from women across the world and has prompted some to share stories of their abortions using the #YouKnowMe hashtag.
A number of celebrities have expressed their disgust including model Emily Ratajkowski who posed naked to draw attention to the 25 old white men who voted for the law.
#youknowme We shouldnt have to share the private medical decisions we make with our doctors but here we are. Lets end this stigma and stop letting men make decisions about our bodies. https://t.co/HyQxWd5E0x
— Pacific Pearl (@PacificPearll) May 17, 2019
#YouKnowMe I was 23 and fresh out of my marriage. I was raising mRead More – Source
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