As nearly half of US states move to restrict or ban abortion, corporate behemoths are stepping in to offer employees support
The headline that no one missed… On Friday, the Supreme Court ruled to overturn Roe v. Wade, the 1973 landmark ruling that protected abortion as a federal right covered by the Constitution. Nearly half of US states have plans to quickly ban or limit abortion — and several already have. In order to legally terminate a pregnancy, women in those states will have to travel to states where abortion isn't criminalized. For many, this travel may not be an option.
Now corporate's stepping in... After the ruling, several large companies pledged to provide financial support for employees — and in some cases, even their dependents — who live in states where abortion's outlawed. The response has been swift:
- Disney, Microsoft, Chase, and Levi were among those that said they'd cover employee travel expenses for abortions.
- Citi, Salesforce, and Tinder-owner Match vowed to provide financial support for affected employees back in May, when the draft opinion was leaked.
- Others like Apple, Netflix, and Uber say they already cover travel expenses for healthcare treatments, including abortion and gender-affirming care.
- Some GOP lawmakers are considering ways to retaliate against companies which help cover medical and travel costs. Think: asking Congress to cancel its contract with Citi.
Corporations can try to be the 4th branch... of government. Companies are becoming increasingly active on social and political issues. That’s largely because many customers, employees, and investors no longer accept inaction. While companies don't have executive, legislative, or judicial power, they have financial influence — from where they choose to open offices, to where they put their $$. Duolingo already warned that it would limit expansion in places that outlaw abortion.