Serena Williams Slammed For Saying Giving Birth Will Make Her A 'Real Woman'

'I can't give birth so I'm not a real woman?'
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Serena Williams has come under fire for suggesting giving birth to her first born will allow her to become a “real woman”.

In a recent interview with Australian newspaper the Herald Sun, the tennis star said: “I have so much respect for so many women [for giving birth].

“I am about to be a real woman now, you know? It’s going to be something incredibly impressive to go through.”

The athlete, whose due date is fast approaching, was slammed by many on Twitter who pointed out that you don’t have to have a baby to be a “real woman”.

Many highlighted the fact that some women can’t have children, while others said they should not be condemned for deciding not to have kids.

Didn't know I had to have a baby to be a "real woman"..thanks for letting me know @serenawilliams

— Kimberly Joyce (@KimSavinoJoyce) August 8, 2017

@serenawilliams So, in your view, I'm not a real woman because I CHOSE not to have children? 🤷🏽♀️#ChooseYourWordsCarefully pic.twitter.com/HnQYn71Ldt

— RoseFire (@native_amaris) August 8, 2017

"Real women" don't elevate themselves above others based on reproductive choices and capacity.

— Liz Smith (@Wordscene) August 10, 2017

@serenawilliams I cant give birth..so I'm not a real woman? ..Shut up! seriously. just shut up. I am more real than you will ever be.

— EAT IT!!!!! (@ChefSJ) August 9, 2017

Some online also pointed out that “simply identifying as a woman is enough to make you a ‘real woman’”, highlighting the fact that you do not need to be a cisgender person to be a woman.

Oh Serena. Simply identifying as a woman is enough to make you a "real woman". Giving birth isn't the defining characteristic of womanhood. https://t.co/S3EXsDEEul

— Gemma Howard (@GemmaHoward93) August 8, 2017

Later in the interview, Williams said “I definitely am a feminist”, adding that she “stick[s] up for women and women’s rights”.

“So many things happen and I just think, ‘wow, why don’t we have a chance?’ If that makes me a feminist, I am proud to be one,” she said.

The 35-year-old has a reputation for combating sexism and racism and some on social media have defended her, despite the backlash.

I feel sorry for her...why can't ppl just let this woman enjoy her pregnancy ffs 😩

— . (@chococarls) August 10, 2017

Life has made me feel like more of woman. Just because it is not how YOU would define it does not make her trashy, she is amazing.

— Jessica Hamel (@jhamel4kids) August 9, 2017

Serena has the right to say this based on her outlook because she is only referring to herself

— Terrie Stinson (@tceero) August 9, 2017

HuffPost UK has contacted Serena Williams’s team for comment and is awaiting response.

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