Maternity cannot be the end of a sports career
Athletes should not have to choose between motherhood and sports careers. Many women face financial instability and career setbacks after childbirth. Temporary breaks can jeopardize funding, rankings, and selection opportunities. In Portugal, the Socialist Party has pushed for gender equality in sports, establishing a working group and new laws to support high-performance athletes who are mothers. Proposed measures aim to protect maternity rights and ensure athletes can reintegrate without losing their status or financial support. This includes financial aid during recovery and tailored training plans. The goal is to create a fair environment where women can balance motherhood and athletic careers without sacrificing one for the other.