Toronto-
A group of prominent Canadian tech women are calling on employers to pay for US workers to travel for abortions.
In an open letter, at least 50 signatories say they are “devastated” for those affected by the recent U.S. Supreme Court overturning of Roe v. Wade, who ended constitutional abortion protections.
The women say the reversal is “a dangerous step towards oppression” and could lead to further curtailment of the rights they have long fought for.
In addition to covering the costs of staff having to travel for abortions, the signatories urge companies to consider relocation policies that would help employees move to jurisdictions where reproductive rights are respected.
They also want companies to guarantee unconditional access to health benefits, with dignity and confidentiality, and for employees to be granted paid leave or volunteer days to attend protests or support women fighting for their rights.
Signatories to the letter include Janet Bannister, managing partner of Real Ventures, Eva Wong, co-founder of Borrowell, Erin Bury, CEO of Willful, and Amanda Hall, CEO of Summit Nanotech.
This report from The Canadian Press was first published on July 4, 2022.
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