World Athletics has launched the Childbirth And Return in Elite Sport (Cares) project, surveying current and former female athletes about pregnancy experiences and competitive returns. The governing body seeks to improve policies protecting athletes and reducing inequities in elite athletics, including maintaining world rankings during maternity leave.

The initiative follows high-profile cases like Allyson Felix, who challenged Nike in 2019 over maternity pay threats. Nike initially planned to cut her pay by 70% if motherhood affected performance, but reversed course after public pressure. New contracts now guarantee athlete pay and bonuses for 18 months around pregnancy.

British runner Calli Hauger-Thackery completed this year's Boston Marathon in two hours 43 minutes while 22 weeks pregnant, demonstrating changing attitudes. She believes women can pursue ambitious athletic goals while motherhood, saying it pushes her to show her son what's possible.

The study's findings could reshape how international athletics handles maternity protections ahead of the 2027 World Championships in Beijing, potentially setting new standards for governing bodies worldwide.