Disney, Netflix, UbiSoft, & More Respond to the Overturn of ‘Roe v. Wade’
Major companies from every corner of the entertainment industry respond to Roe v. Wade by providing employees with reproductive resources.
Last Friday, the Unite States Supreme Court voted to overturn the historic Roe v. Wade case. The decision removed reproductive rights Americans have had for more than 50 years, leaving abortion access up to states. It leaves in almost 20 states without access to various forms of reproductive healthcare.
The decision was met with devastation and anger across the country. It was a solemn day in the BoLS newsroom as well. Many companies, particularly those in the entertainment industry, made a show of solidarity to any employees who may need access to abortions.
Companies Supporting Employee Reproductive Rights
A large number of major companies released official statements condemning the actions of the Supreme Court. Streaming services and production companies like Paramount, Disney, Sony, Netflix, and Warner Bros. have publicly pledged to pay for reproductive services for employees, including travel to states that allow abortion. Meanwhile, video game companies and news outlets like UbiSoft, Bungie, IGN, Insomniac Games, Naughty Dog, and more are also releasing their own similar sentiments.
— IGN (@IGN) June 24, 2022
Why is This Such a Big Deal?
Many software developers and media employees work remotely. There are also production companies working out of several states in the U.S. Changes in these laws can affect employees in different ways. In Texas, for example, someone can actually sue a person for pursuing or helping someone else have an abortion.
So when the company you work for says “we will pay for you to leave your state if you need an abortion,” that’s a pretty impactful idea.
The Future of Roe v. Wade
Women in Film has a great running list of all the benefits being offered by which companies. In the meantime, there’s never been a better time to donate to local abortion funds. Long-running pro-choice organizations like Planned Parenthood, Power to Decide, and Pro-Choice America are also a great place to give and receive resources.
