Coco Gauff has openly expressed her support for former First Lady Michelle Obama’s recent statements on reproductive rights, particularly regarding concerns around former President Donald Trump’s approach to abortion policies. Obama’s comments, which she shared during a rally in Michigan for Vice President Kamala Harris, focused on the potential dangers posed by the limitations on “reproductive care” that she fears could expand further if Trump were to be re-elected. This stance resonated strongly with Gauff, who highlighted a segment of Obama’s message on her Instagram story, joining a growing list of public figures advocating for women’s health rights.
Michelle Obama’s cautionary message, later shared on her Instagram, has been one of her most direct appeals on reproductive rights in recent months. In her post, Obama warned about the “chilling effects” of gradually dismantling healthcare access “piece by piece.” She underscored her fears that policies restricting abortion and reducing telehealth services could soon lead to the creation of “medical deserts” across the country—regions where people, particularly women, would face significant barriers to accessing essential healthcare services. Obama emphasized the potential consequences, suggesting that limiting access to gynecological care and options for dealing with pregnancy complications would have widespread and life-altering effects on women and their families.
In her speech, Obama urged Americans not to “put our lives in the hands” of those who, she argued, fail to fully understand the “broad-reaching health implications” of their policies. This statement struck a chord with Gauff, who has become increasingly vocal about social issues. At just 20 years old, the American tennis sensation has already demonstrated a keen interest in using her platform to support causes she believes in, including reproductive rights and broader health policies that affect marginalized communities. By resharing Obama’s post, Gauff highlighted her own support for preserving healthcare rights for women.
While Gauff did not make a separate statement, her simple act of sharing Obama’s post signifies her agreement with the message and her concern over the implications of policies that limit healthcare access for women. This support aligns with Gauff’s recent political involvement, which includes her active participation in the voting process. The young tennis star, originally from Delray Beach, Florida, recently exercised her right to vote in Palm Beach County, a move she described as her “duty.” This was a moment of pride for her as she took to social media to encourage other young Americans to get involved and make their voices heard.
This wasn’t the first time Gauff voiced her support for leaders she feels represent progress and change. Earlier this year, ahead of her campaign at the US Open, Gauff shared her thoughts on seeing Vice President Kamala Harris on the ballot. For Gauff, Harris’s presence in the presidential elections represented an inspiring milestone for people of color in the United States. Speaking with the *New York Post*, she commented, “It’s really incredible. No matter who you’re voting for, who you stand for, it’s really incredible to see how far this country has come [for] people of color, Black people.” She reflected on how meaningful it was to witness this progress within her own lifetime, acknowledging the contributions of previous generations who worked tirelessly to pave the way for such representation.
Gauff’s admiration for Vice President Harris’s achievements and her support for Obama’s message reflect the young athlete’s commitment to advocating for equality and justice. As she steps further into the public eye, Gauff appears determined to leverage her influence to amplify issues that resonate with her and her generation. Her recent voting act followed in the footsteps of other influential figures in the tennis world, including former US Open champion Andy Roddick and his wife, actress Brooklyn Decker, who have also been vocal about the importance of civic engagement.
Trump’s policies on reproductive rights, especially his support for abortion restrictions, have remained a polarizing issue in American politics. During his presidency from 2017 to 2021, Trump backed policies limiting access to abortion. He has since claimed that abortion policies should be decided by individual states rather than mandated at the federal level. Recently, Trump clarified his stance on a national abortion ban by stating on social media that he would “veto it.” He emphasized that he would not support a federal abortion ban under any circumstances, as he believes it should be left to the states to decide. “Everyone knows I would not support a federal abortion ban, under any circumstances, and would, in fact, veto it,” he stated.
For Gauff, seeing the nation’s political landscape evolve is both personal and inspiring. She has frequently discussed how her experiences as a young Black woman influence her perspective on issues that impact people of color and other underrepresented groups in America. Her support for Obama’s message on reproductive rights and her celebration of Harris’s achievements signal her pride in the progress made so far and her awareness of the work that remains to be done.
As she continues to make waves both on and off the tennis court, Coco Gauff’s voice in social and political issues has become increasingly influential. She is not only dedicated to her sport but also to advocating for equality and justice in broader society. With a new generation of Americans coming of age in a divided political environment, figures like Gauff remind young people of the importance of engagement and the potential impact of using their platforms to support meaningful causes.