World Athletics has launched a new initiative focused on pregnancy, childbirth and the return to competition for elite female athletes, as the governing body looks to shape future policy around motherhood in the sport.
The project, called Childbirth And Return in Elite Sport (CARES), is intended to bring together research and policy to better understand pregnancy and motherhood in elite athletics. World Athletics said the effort is also aimed at shaping support systems that can help reduce inequalities for female athletes.
As part of the project, the global federation is asking athletes to complete one of two surveys, with input from its Health and Science, Competition and Athletes’ Commission departments.
One survey is designed for athletes who have experienced pregnancy during their careers since January 2019. It will look at issues including barriers to returning to competition, support structures and financial considerations.
A second survey is for athletes who have not been pregnant. It will examine perceptions of maternity support and governance, as well as potential ranking protections for athletes taking maternity leave.
"We are continually looking for ways to make our sport even more equitable", World Athletics president Sebastian Coe said.
Athletes’ Commission chair Valerie Adams also welcomed the project and pointed to how attitudes and experiences around pregnancy changed during her career.
"When I started my career, you didn’t want to tell your sponsors if you got pregnant because you might get dropped", Adams said. "By the time I retired, as a mother of two, we’re seeing more female athletes coming back from having kids and performing at an elite level.
"I hope that the work being done in this space will further inspire female athletes to not only plan their sporting career, but also plan their life."
The surveys are open to athletes in the World Athletics rankings, with responses due by September 30.
