In light of recent abortion bans and “fetal personhood” legislation across numerous states, a new report reveals a concerning trend: individuals are leaving states with strict reproductive rights restrictions, threatening workforce stability.

Key Findings from the Report

According to a comprehensive analysis conducted by the Institute for Women’s Policy Research (IWPR), a significant number of adults are reconsidering their living circumstances due to stringent abortion laws. The analysis draws from a survey of 10,000 individuals by Morning Consult, showing the following:

• One in five respondents planning to have children in the next decade has relocated or knows someone who has moved due to abortion restrictions.
• Among those with advanced degrees, 14% reported a similar migration, driven by anti-abortion legislation.

Implications for Businesses

Nancy Northrup, president of the Center for Reproductive Rights (CRR), emphasizes the broader implications of these findings: “Reproductive healthcare is a personal issue and workplace imperative.” The report underscores that for many employees, job choices are increasingly influenced by access to reproductive health benefits.

Furthermore, the survey indicated strong support among workers for policies that foster family-friendly workplaces, highlighting the necessity for companies to engage actively with lawmakers to safeguard these rights.

The Role of Employers in Advocacy

As businesses face the risk of losing talent due to anti-abortion laws, the report suggests a proactive approach. It notes that:

• 57% of workers planning to have children prioritize employers who provide comprehensive reproductive healthcare benefits.
• 56% believe that companies should advocate for abortion rights at the policy level.

Dr. Jamila K. Taylor, president and CEO of IWPR, states, “Access to reproductive healthcare is a fundamental component of workplace equity, and businesses can no longer afford to ignore the impact of abortion restrictions on their workforce.”

Public Sentiment on Workplace Policies

The report indicates that public sentiment in states with restrictive abortion laws tends to favor more comprehensive workplace policies that support families. Notably:

• 83% of Mississippi residents support paid sick leave.
• 56% of West Virginia residents advocate for paid time off for fertility treatments.
• 70% of Alabamians support paid leave for pregnancy-related healthcare.

Conclusion

The IWPR report strongly suggests that businesses must recognize the significance of reproductive health access to attract and retain talent effectively. As employees express concern over healthcare access while building their families, employers are increasingly expected to advocate for these rights and contribute to shaping policy for better reproductive healthcare access nationwide. “Accepting that reality and making decisions from there will enable companies to attract and retain talent,” the report concludes.