How A Few Organizations Are Responding to Roe vs Wade | Various Sources

The U.S. Supreme Court’s June 24 decision to overturn Roe v. Wade has profound implications for organizations and their workers. And while these implications are many and far-reaching, a few of the HR-related implications range from: a) the impact on how employers will change employer health and benefits to b) the ability to recruit workers, especially those whose organizations are based in states that will ban abortion immediately or very quickly with Roe overturned. Regarding the former, a few examples of organizations that have responded include 1) Amazon said it would cover up to $4,000 in travel expenses each year for non-life-threatening medical treatments, including abortions, beginning in January.  2) Google not only announced that its U.S. benefits plan and health insurance will cover out-of-state medical procedures that are not available where an employee lives and works, but also Googlers can apply for relocation without justification; nonetheless, “those overseeing the process will be aware of the situation.” 3) Apparel maker Patagonia said it would cover abortion care costs for employees, as well as training and bail for those who “peacefully protest for reproductive justice.” And with many Chief People Officers continuing to play a more significant role in shaping and articulating their organizations’ narrative on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) issues, they will need to guide company leaders as they make and communicate decisions about this critical topic.