‘If You Are Rich You Can Always Get an Abortion’- Billie Jean King Talks About the Backlash She Faced After Her Decision

Billie Jean King is one of the most important figures in women’s tennis. She laid the foundation of WTA and supported players like Chris Evert and Martina Navratilova in their journey of strengthening the association. King in her playing days fought several odds and proved the potential of women’s tennis through arrangements such as the battle of sexes.

Further, apart from expressing herself fearlessly, she never surrendered to societal pressure. The American has always done things of her own accords. Even when people denounced her heavily for choosing abortion, she stood firm on her decision.

Billie Jean King about her abortion

King still believes that she took a well thought and situation-appropriate step at that time. In a recent interview, she disclosed the circumstances in which she chose abortion. At first, she spoke about how she had the choice which many don’t. “We had enough money. If you are rich, you can always get an abortion. Nobody will ever hear about it, everything’s fine. But it’s really the people who are under-resourced that really suffer the most… It’s always about money when you usually get down to it.”

“But for me personally, I had been asking Larry for a divorce since 1969 and this was 1971… I was trying to figure who I am. Am I gay? Am I bisexual?… When I got pregnant, I knew I should not have this baby. It’s not the right time because to me to bring a child into the world it’s the most important thing,” She added.

Thereafter, the four times US Open champion explained, “But it was terrible. First of all, I was outed. And no one wants to come out unless on their own terms… I do not regret it. I did the right thing for me at that time.” 

King had exchanged vows with Larry King, an American sport promoter. They tied the knot in the year 1965 but soon the former world no.1 realised that she was attracted to women as well. Therefore, she wanted to take time and explore her preferences. Hence, she chose abortion.

Read more: ‘They Want Attention’ – When Billie Jean King Slammed ‘Superbrat’ John McEnroe Over His Controversial Serena Williams Statement

The former World no.1 later found her soulmate in fellow tennis professional-  who has been former doubles World no.1 player. Both got married in 2018.

King’s achievements

The tennis professional is one of the reason behind the amount of fan base WTA enjoys today. She not only was a great individual player but also portrayed impressive coordination and understanding when it came to doubles.

Watch this story: Serena Williams sends a heartfelt message to Serena Williams after her retirement announcement 

The right-handed tennis ace claimed 39 majors titles. Out of which 12 are from singles category. Speaking of singles, the six times Wimbledon champion claimed 129 title in her playing days. Further, in the case of doubles, she claimed 16 doubles and 18 mixed doubles Grand Slams.

What do you think about her tennis career? Let us know in the comments.