Major corporations are coming out in support of the progressive outrage towards the announcement of the Supreme Court’s (SCOTUS) repeal of Roe v. Wade.
Following the news of the Supreme Court’s 5-4 decision to overrule the 50-year-old ruling, which will kick decisions about abortion laws back to the states, DICK’S Sporting Goods announced it will offer up to $4,000 in travel expenses for female employees who decide to get an abortion.
DICK’s CEO Lauren Hobart via DICK’s Sporting Goods YouTube
The announcement was posted by the company’s President and CEO, Lauren Hobart, on her LinkedIn profile as well as the company’s official Twitter account.
The full statement reads:
At DICK’S, our teammates are the heart of our business, and we are committed to protecting their health and well-being.
Today, the Supreme Court announced a decision to overturn Roe v. Wade, removing the federal right to an abortion and leaving the decision up to each state.
While we do not know what decision each state will make in response to this ruling, we at DICK’S Sporting Goods are prepared to ensure that all of our teammates have consistent and safe access to the benefits we provide, regardless of the state in which they live.
In response to today’s ruling, we are announcing that if a state one of our teammates lives in restricts access to abortion, DICK’S Sporting Goods will provide up to $4,000 in travel expense reimbursement to travel to the nearest location where that care is legally available. This benefit will be provided to any teammate, spouse or dependent enrolled in our medical plan, along with one support person.
We recognize people feel passionately about this topic — and that there are teammates and athletes who will not agree with this decision. However, we also recognize that decisions involving health and families are deeply personal and made with thoughtful consideration. We are making this decision so our teammates can access the same health care options, regardless of where they live, and choose what is best for them.
Source: DICKS Twitter
The company has not announced, however, if they plan to provide any additional support to pregnant employees who choose to have their babies rather than get an abortion.
Opponents of this plan have pointed out that corporations jumping in on the post-Roe v. Wade debate may have only offered this arrangement because an abortion is a cheaper alternative to maternity leave, DICK’S declined to answer if they would also provide female employees who are pregnant and choose life for their child with a $4,000 option or similar arrangement.
DICK’s over the years have made numerous public pushes for progressive causes. Back in 2018, DICK’s announced that they would permanently cease the selling of “assault-style rifles” following a series of mass shootings that year, despite the fact that in 2012, they had already suspended the sales of “modern sporting rifles,” which included AR-15’s, AK-47’s, and similar firearms.
Wiki Commons
Earlier this month, DICK’s was among over 250 corporations that signed a letter to the US Senate asking for more gun control. In the letter, CEO Lauren Hobart described gun violence as a public health crisis, noting the economic impact of gun crime and the human cost associated with it.
“We urge the Senate to take immediate action,” Howard stated. “Gun violence can be prevented. Our families, our communities, and our places of business are depending on you. Stand with us and the American public. Put the safety of your constituents and their children first. Transcend partisanship and work together to pass bold legislation to address gun violence in our country.”
What is your take on DICK’s decision to cover travel and other expenses for employees to obtain abortions?