Last week, the US Supreme Court made the decision to overturn Roe v. Wade, which has divided people. While it became alarming news to several workers, major US companies stepped in to provide them access to reproductive services.
While many see it as a generous move, the GOP have expressed their discontent with the corporations improving their benefits. The party is tipped to win back the US House later this fall.
The companies have promised to expand their health care benefits to including covering travel expenses for employees or their dependents seeking an abortion outside their state. The improved benefits have drawn the criticism of conservatives and lawmakers who suggested improved parental leave policies instead of the abortion-related benefits.
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The unrest is nothing new, having started as early as May when a draft opinion in the Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization case was leaked. Republican members of the Texas Legislature wrote a letter to Lyft, wherein they said they would introduce bills in the next legislative session targeting companies that continue providing abortion-related benefits in the state.
“After Dobbs, the alliance between social conservatives and neoliberal corporatists in the GOP is over,” said Republic Sen. Josh Hawley of Missouri. “Look no further than mega-corporations caving to the far-left and offering to cover all abortion-related expenses for their employees.”
“Republicans sought to focus on pro-family policies to support mothers and their children, not corporate welfare for big business and the ultra-wealthy.”
Republican critics quickly shared their opinion and critiques when more companies started sharing their plans of implementing abortion-related travel benefits.
A majority of Republicans view the companies’ decision as a hostile move against social conservatism across the country. They also speculate it will be part of a growing trend wherein companies are becoming more amenable to progressive causes and political activism.
Although the GOP have promoted corporate tax cuts and subsidies that allow industry money to keep flowing and benefit major businesses, Republicans have become vocal towards the companies’ decision, especially those with presidential ambitions like Hawley.
Jessica Anderson, a figure from the conservative Heritage Action for America pointed out Florida Gov. Ron deSantis’ dissolution of Disney’s special governing powers two months ago, speculating it was retaliation for the company’s opposition to the GOP-back law which restricted lessons about sexual orientation and gender identity for students in kindergarten up to the third grade.
The Florida Governor is a top-contender for the 2024 GOP presidential nomination if he decides to run. DeSantis’ clash with Disney helped put him on people’s radar, where he is viewed as a hero. He also led a poll by the University of New Hampshire’s potential 2024 GOP presidential hopefuls.
“I think conservative voters see the action these companies are taking, and it’s one more thing that adds to their frustration,” offered Anderson. “If the November election goes the way we think it will, there will be a huge mandate for elected officials up and down the ballot to take seriously these companies going so woke.”
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