Spain is taking innovative steps with its female soccer players. The Spanish Federation is close to finalizing a deal with a fertility clinic to help pay for its star players to freeze their eggs. It's another step in an evolving conversation regarding female athletes and motherhood.
© Getty ImagesThe news was shared in an advance by El País. "Many players postpone the decision to become mothers and, when they make it, it may already be too late. We try to ensure they are not conditioned by their careers," said Marta Perarnau, president of the players' association FUTPRO.
"Returning to compete after becoming a mother is very difficult; we don't have scientific studies on female footballers, we don't have recovery protocols, we don't know what they need to do to recover and perform at their best."
Other rulings established that players who become pregnant during their last season of contract have the option to renew for one more year under the same conditions. Entities that are part of women's First Division must now provide services like breastfeeding rooms and childcare for training and matches. They must also provide qualified staff for players who request it during pregnancy or postpartum.
© UEFA via Getty ImagesWhat do players think of this new ruling?
Alexia Putellas, one of Spain's major stars and former Barcelona player, shared her thoughts in an interview with El Pais. "For me it is a very big step forward because the Federation understands that you are serving your country against your biological clock, that you cannot stop and cannot be a mother because you need your body to work," she said.
Earlier this week, the Spanish Footballers' Association reached an agreement with a clinic that would allow access for male and female players to the clinic's reproduction services next year. These include all sorts of treatments like artificial insemination, in vitro fertilization, genetic testing, and more.
“Reproductive health is part of the integral well-being of male and female athletes, and increasingly more are seeking specialized advice to plan their family project or preserve fertility,” said Geni Martínez, head of health at the association.
This is part of an ongoing conversation regarding maternity and sports, and is appearing across sports and nations. Spain is following in the footsteps of other teams and leagues, including Gotham FC, Washington Spirit, and Chelsea. Last month, the English team announced a partnership with a London fertility clinic. "Here’s to changing the statistics," reads a post made by the team on Twitter.
"We’re proud to welcome Fertility Plus as the Official Fertility Partner of Chelsea FC Women. Together, we hope to empower our CFCW community to learn more about their fertility health and access the right support when they need it."
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