The US Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade has created a stir! Many brands and retailers are reacting to this issue of abortion.
The ruling, which had been expected since a leaked opinion surfaced in early May, eliminates protections for abortions after nearly 50 years.
The move is expected to lead to abortion bans in about half of the 50 states. At least 13 states have laws on the books that either ban abortion immediately or will do so soon. Anyone who performs an abortion in Arkansas, Louisiana and Oklahoma faces 10 years in prison unless the procedure is done to save the life of the pregnant woman.
Various brands, retailers and designers are against this decision.
Kenneth Cole, the New York-based designer and longtime activist, wrote on Instagram: “I can’t believe we still have to protest this shit.”
Leading brand Levi Strauss & Co., which previously announced benefits to help employees cover the cost of travelling to obtain an abortion, said that it remains committed to supporting its employees as well as reproductive health organisations.
The company said, “We stand strongly against any actions that hinder the health and well-being of our employees, which means opposing any steps to restrict access to the full range of reproductive health care, including abortion.”
It further added that protection of reproductive rights is a critical business issue impacting our workforce, our economy and progress towards gender and racial equity. Given what is at stake, business leaders need to make their voices heard and act to protect the health and well-being of our employees.
Nike said it would cover travel and lodging expenses when services aren’t readily available. “No matter where our teammates are on their family planning journey – from contraception and abortion coverage, to pregnancy and family-building support through fertility, surrogacy and adoption benefits – we are here to support their decisions,” the company said.
Gap Inc. said that any employee covered under its healthcare plans can access those benefits in any state, even if they travel to do so. In a statement, Gap said that at a recent employee event, we shared with our teams the wide range of mental health and family planning benefits we offer—because we know it is important to support our employees, regardless of whether, how or when they decide to start a family.
Amazon previously told staff that it will pay up to US $4,000 in company travel expenses annually to help pay for non-life threatening medical treatments including abortions. This benefit applies to all US employees enrolled in Premera or Aetna health plans and if a procedure is not available within 100 miles.
Lauren Hobart, CEO, Dick’s Sporting Goods said that Dick’s will provide up to US $4,000 in travel expenses for employees to travel to the nearest location to receive access to an abortion if their states restrict it. Employees, spouses and dependents are eligible for this benefit.
