Major Indiana employers Eli Lilly and Cummins speak out about new state’s restrictive abortion law
Image of an Eli Lilly and Company pharmaceutical manufacturing plant at 50 ImClone Drive in Branchburg, New Jersey, March 5, 2021.
Mike Segar | Reuters
Drugmaker Eli LillyOne of Indiana’s biggest employers, says the state’s newly passed abortion-restricting law will make the company grow far away from home.
Lilly said in a statement Saturday that it recognizes abortion as a “deeply divisive and personal issue without a clear consensus among the citizens of Indiana.”
“Despite this lack of agreement, Indiana chose to quickly pass one of the most restrictive anti-abortion laws in the United States,” said Eli Lilly. “We are concerned that this legislation will hinder Lilly’s ability to attract diverse science, engineering and business talent from around the world – and Indiana.
Indiana Legislature on Friday Be the first in the nation to pass a new law restricted access to abortion since United States Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade. The state was one of the earliest Republican-run state legislatures to debate stricter abortion laws after Judgment of the Supreme Court in June removed constitutional protections for the procedure.
Lilly employs approximately 10,000 employees in Indiana, where it has been headquartered in Indianapolis for more than 145 years.
CumminsAn engine company that also employs about 10,000 people in Indiana, over the weekend also spoke out against the new law.
“The right to make decisions regarding reproductive health ensures that women have the same opportunity as others to participate fully in our workforce, and our workforce is diverse.” , a company spokesman said in a statement.
“There are provisions in the law that contradict this, impacting our employees, hindering our ability to attract and retain top talent, and influence our decisions as we continue to grow.” develop its footprint with a focus on eco-friendly and inclusive choices,” said a Cummins spokesperson.
The two businesses join a growing list of companies, including tech giants Apple and denim retailers Levi Strausswhich are providing resources for their employees for reproductive care in states that have imposed restrictions.
Eli Lilly noted Saturday that while the drug company has expanded its employee health plan coverage to include travel for fertility services, “that may not be enough.” for some current and potential employees.”
Indiana’s abortion ban is slated to go into effect on September 15. The law comes with a few exceptions, including cases of rape or incest, and to protect the lives of women. mother.
Chairperson Joe BidenIndiana’s government also condemned Indiana’s decision. White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre called it a “devastating move.”
“And, it’s another radical move by Republican lawmakers to strip women of their reproductive rights and liberties, while leaving individual health care decisions in the hands of politicians.” than women and their doctors”, she said in a statement.
