BY LINDA BURSTYN and ROXY SZAL | In Indiana, a bill banning nearly all abortions became law on Friday after passing through the state Senate and being signed by Republican Gov. Eric Holcomb. The law, Senate Bill 1, takes effect on Sep. 15. S.B. 1 makes Indiana the first state to pass an abortion restriction after Roe v. Wade‘s overturn and ninth state to ban abortion outright, alongside Alabama, Arkansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Oklahoma, South Dakota and Texas.
In response to the extreme legislation, some of the state’s largest employers are raising concerns about the harmful effects of the law—both on the health of current and future residents of Indiana, and on the companies’ abilities to recruit top talent.
Drug company Eli Lilly employs over 10,000 Hoosiers alone. “Given this new law,” the company said in a statement, “we will be forced to plan for more employment growth outside our home state.” The company has offered to cover travel costs for employees seeking reproductive services out of state, but admitted this provision “may not be enough for some current and potential employees.”
Soon after, a spokesman for Cummins, a Columbus-based engine company employing 10,000, voiced similar concern over S.B. 1. A statement expressed “deep concern” with how the law impacts employees of the company and impedes its ability to attract and retain a diverse workforce in Indiana. “Cummins believes that women should have the right to make reproductive healthcare decisions as a matter of gender equity, ensuring that women have the same opportunity as others to participate fully in the workforce and that our workforce is diverse,” the company said in its statement. “This law is contrary to this goal and we oppose it.”
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