Companies Supporting Abortion Rights After Roe v. Wade Decision

Many companies publicly support abortion access for their workers despite the Supreme Court's decision to overturn Roe v. Wade.
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Published on July 8, 2022
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  • Experts believe the overturning of Roe v. Wade may decrease the size of the women's labor force.
  • Despite the decision, many companies are publicly supporting abortion access for their workers.
  • These companies include Cigna, Google, and Levi Strauss, among many others.
  • Their plans include covering abortion-related travel costs and matching donation funds.

Did you know the women's labor force increased in size after the Supreme Court legalized abortion in 1973?

Today, about 60% of U.S. women are working or actively seeking a job, compared to about 40% before the decision on Roe vs. Wade.

But experts believe participation rates may decrease after the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in June 2022, threatening women's advances in the workplace over the past 50 years.

What This Means

  • 36 million people may lose abortion access.
  • 26 states will likely ban abortion.
  • 25 states have restricted access to abortion health coverage.
  • 14 states could restrict abortion to after 22 weeks of pregnancy or earlier.
  • 13 states or more could criminalize people seeking abortions.

Sources: Planned Parenthood, New York Times, Kaiser Family Foundation, Politico

The ruling is highly controversial. A Pew Research poll found that 61% of adults feel abortion should be legal. Planned Parenthood estimates that more than 36 million people may lose abortion access.

While many companies are expected to remain quiet on the issue but continue to offer abortion-related health benefits, others are announcing their support for abortion access.

Here's what some companies are pledging to do since the overturning of Roe v. Wade:

Live Nation: The concert promoter pledged to cover bail costs for any employees arrested for protesting peacefully against the decision to overturn Roe v. Wade. Live Nation will also cover travel expenses for abortion services outside their employees' home state and match Lizzo's $500,000 donation to Planned Parenthood.

Amazon: The e-commerce company said it will cover up to $4,000 in travel costs for abortions. The offer applies to corporate and warehouse workers who can't legally access abortion care within 100 miles.

Cigna: The healthcare and insurance company told CBS News it's expanding travel reimbursement for abortion care, gender-affirming care, and behavioral health services in states with restricted access.

Douglas Elliman: The real estate company expanded out-of-state healthcare coverage for "employees likely to be directly impacted" by the Supreme Court ruling. Douglas Elliman will also reimburse agents and staff for abortion-related travel.

Google: The tech company now allows employees in impacted states to apply for relocation "without justification." Google will also cover travel expenses for full-time employees who travel out of state for medical procedures not available where they live and work.

Levi Strauss: The denim company announced its contributing grants to the Center for Productive Rights, Afiya Center, and ARC-Southeast, which all assist people seeking reproductive care and other communities. Levi Strauss also covers abortion-related travel costs for workers in restricted states.