How abortion became a US workplace issue

Abortion has traditionally been a private matter. But now some US companies are rolling out support for workers who want it.

Traditionally, abortion has been a personal issue, separate from a person’s work life. People who want abortions generally make their own arrangements privately, whether that’s obtaining medication, finding a clinic or funding a procedure if it is not covered by insurance or the government.

Increasingly, however, some workplaces in the US – where healthcare is typically linked to employment – have stepped in to lessen the burden on employees. This trend has mostly emerged in the last couple years, as restrictions on abortion began increasing in individual states.

Now, it has taken on much greater prominence, since the Supreme Court overturned the constitutional right to abortion enshrined in a legal ruling known as Roe v Wade on 24 June. The decision means many abortion providers have stopped operating in states with trigger laws (laws that automatically banned abortion with the end of Roe v Wade).

Although many companies have remained quiet on the subject, some firms have confirmed they will provide support to workers who want abortions. This often includes emotional support such as counselling; financial support, such as paid medical leave and out-of-state travel expenses; and legal support in case it is necessary, including coverage of legal expenses. Mostly, only certain kinds of companies are speaking out and enacting policies; many more appear to be opting for caution, in part due to perceived repercussions or potential logistical hurdles.

While more firms may formulate policies in coming months, it’s already clear that the conversations and actions around reproductive health in the workplace will be a very contentious area for companies and employees alike.

Companies funding travel and care

The movement to restrict abortion access has been particularly active in conservative US states, especially since the September 2021 rollout of a ban in Texas on most abortions after six weeks. Inspired by the Texas law, in May 2022, Oklahoma legislators passed a law banning almost all abortions, from the point of conception.

After each major restriction, pushback from pro-choice activists has been fierce. Companies have also become involved in the discourse, in small though growing numbers. Especially in the past year, some employers have announced the addition of employee benefits supporting abortion access; since the Supreme Court decision on Roe v Wade, more firms have also announced similar programmes.

For companies looking to offer these resources, “the most common and logistically sustainable way of supporting employees is to create a reimbursement benefit for any reproductive care service not currently covered by health insurance coverage”, says Lauren Winans, CEO of the US HR consultancy Next Level Benefits. “Most companies offering this benefit today are potentially reimbursing eligible employees up to $10,000 for care and travel.”

This travel, generally out-of-state, might be to obtain a surgical abortion or a prescription for self-managed abortion. (Self-managed abortion, involving medication, is the most common form of abortion in the US.) Amazon, Levi Strauss & Co and Citigroup have all committed to covering travel expenses for employees who can’t access abortions locally. Policies at yoghurt-maker Chobani, Power Home Remodeling and Amalgamated Bank include covering childcare expenses, which would help the many working parents who want abortions.

Rhia Ventures, a venture-capital fund focused on reproductive and maternal health, maintains a database of companies’ commitments and expressions of support on reproductive healthcare. It lists fewer than 100 companies that have publicly responded to mounting abortion restrictions – and not all of these have gone so far as to integrate abortion-specific benefits.

Laura Gitman, chief operating officer of sustainability consultancy BSR, has observed that women lead a number of the companies particularly active and vocal in offering abortion benefits. Companies headquartered in the coastal US, which tends to lean politically liberal, are also overrepresented, as are major tech firms. At some of these companies, the decision to expand reproductive health policies will have come from the top.The movement to restrict abortion access has been particularly active in conservative US states, especially since the September 2021 rollout of a ban in Texas on most abortions after six weeks. Inspired by the Texas law, in May 2022, Oklahoma legislators passed a law banning almost all abortions, from the point of conception.