In today’s economy, working people demand more responsibility from their employers: better wages, profits, transparency and alignment of values. The emphasis on shared values is coming to the fore as a result of the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade, who removes federal protections for abortion. States, local governments, and individuals strive to react to the decision, which removes 50 years of legal precedence.
While the nation resolves future policy and legal decisions around reproductive health, some companies are advancing the issue by going out publicly to support abortion rights, which activists and advocates have the right to choose. of women are commonly known as “reproductive justice.” . One of the most open companies is Patagonia, which announced following the Supreme Court’s decision that they will not only provide financial support to people who choose to have an abortion, but will also provide funds to pay bail to people who face abortion. to legal costs while protesting. for reproductive justice.
In a statement on Patagonia’s LinkedIn page, the company writes:
“Employee care extends beyond basic health insurance, so we take a more holistic approach to the coverage and support of the general well-being to which all human beings are entitled. It means giving employees the dignity access to reproductive health care. It means supporting employee choices. about whether or when they have a child. It means giving parents the resources they need to work and raise their children. “
As part of that commitment, Patagonia announced that all U.S. employees are covered for abortion care as part of their health coverage. “When there are restrictions, travel, accommodation and food are covered.” This includes 100 percent of the co-payment costs for mental health visits.
It is important to note that Patagonia showed why reproductive rights and health care are really a holistic issue. In the same statement, Patagonia listed how they also support those people and families who decide to have children, including writing:
We support new parents with:
- Two types of paid leave: 4 weeks of paid leave for disability due to pregnancy and / or 12 weeks of paid parental leave.
- Private spaces to feed babies.
- Support for the care of children to parents on business trips.
- Subsidized and high quality nursery.
- Childcare scholarships for parents who do not live near one of our homes.
But it was a political component of Patagonia’s message that went viral, with the company claiming that all part-time and full-time employees will receive:
- Training and bail for those who protest peacefully for reproductive justice.
- Resources for making informed decisions at the polls.
- Free time to vote.
Educational voting resources and free time to vote simply should not be a political issue. Our democracy and our politics would be stronger with greater participation and understanding of how our government works. It is a principle that demonstrates values regardless of where they are on the political spectrum. If you want to advocate and vote for more public financial assistance, it’s clear that it’s helpful to know which programs need more help and how to talk about it. Similarly, if you are a critic of government waste and believe that certain issues are best addressed in the private sector, participating as an informed voter helps your cause.
But it is Patagonia’s willingness to give financial coverage to its employees who are peacefully protesting in favor of reproductive justice that really makes the company stand out. How many companies are willing to make an extra effort to empower their companies to be good citizens, not just good employees?
As a company here in Upworthy, we have always been proud of the work that Patagonia is doing to protect our planet from climate change. Putting principles first is a good way for a company like Patagonia to demonstrate that it not only makes a great product, but they use the goodwill and trust that their brand has created to help make the world a better place. for everyone. We would all like to see a world where these principles are restored to the highest level within the halls of our government, where elected officials do the work of the people for the people. But until we achieve this most perfect union, it’s important to know that where we spend our money out of politics can go a long way to protecting the values we love.