The Supreme Court overturned the famous Roe v. Wade decision from 1973 on Friday, eliminating the constitutional right to an abortion in the United States.
The court's decision allows states to enact their own abortion regulations, many of which have outlawed, intend to outlaw, or severely restrict access to abortion. At least eight more states will shortly enact prohibitions, bringing the total to eight.
Several well-known leaders from the IT, entertainment and other industries have spoken out as the country struggles with the effects of the decision. Additionally, several businesses have stated that they will pay for employees' travel costs if women cannot obtain abortions close to where they live.
Here's a look at what companies and their leaders have said so far.
Apple: In a statement, the iPhone manufacturer stated that it supports "workers' rights to make their own decisions on their reproductive health."
"For more than a decade, Apple's comprehensive benefits have allowed our employees to travel out-of-state for medical care if it is unavailable in their home state," said an Apple spokesperson.
Disney: On Friday, Disney sent a statement to staff members stating that it is "dedicated to providing full access to quality and affordable care," including family planning and abortion.
According to a Disney spokesman, the firm provides travel perks so that employees can obtain medical care that might not be available where they are. All US workers who choose to enroll in Disney's health insurance program are qualified, including park and resort cast members.
Google: Employees can ask for relocation without a reason, according to Google Chief People Officer Fiona Cicconi, in a company-wide email that was made public by CNBC on Friday night. She added that in the US, employer benefits cover out-of-state medical procedures that are unavailable where an employee lives and works but are available elsewhere. She added the benefit extends to dependents as well.
The overturn of Roe is "a profound change for the country that deeply affects so many of us, especially women," the memo reads.
Meta: In a post on the social network, Meta COO Sheryl Sandberg said the ruling "jeopardizes the health and the lives of millions of girls and women" across the US. "I cannot believe that I'm going to send my three daughters to college with fewer rights than I had," Sandberg wrote. This is a huge setback. For ourselves, our daughters, and every generation that follows, we must keep up the fight."
