The front of the U.S. Supreme Court in Washington, D.C. [Adobe stock photo]
Days after the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade’s protection of abortion rights, medical device companies are among those reassuring workers about healthcare access.
Corporate communications to employees and the public at large come as trigger laws in nearly half of the states outlaw abortion immediately.
Some medtech companies are not using the word “abortion” in their statements to news media.
Here is what we’re finding out at MassDevice and Medical Design & Outsourcing:
3M
“We understand and respect this topic is an important and deeply personal one for many. 3M supports its people through robust benefits that help ensure good reproductive health to meet their individual needs, as well as a variety of programs intended to support families at all stages of life. This includes comprehensive medical benefits plans, covering routine prenatal and postnatal care, prenatal education, medically necessary and elective abortion care, support for birth control, fertility support, adoption and surrogacy support, and up to 6 months of parental leave. Our Short-Term Disability Plan also allows for abortion-related absences. We are reviewing the Supreme Court decision and evaluating what it means and how it impacts employees and our benefit plans.” – statement shared by spokesperson Tim Post.
Zimmer Biomet
CEO Bryan Hanson in a statement to employees said that the company will not advocate for or against abortion. “I don’t believe this is a place or time for individuals in leadership, or leadership teams, to allow their personal beliefs to be imposed on others. This is clearly an extremely personal decision, and should remain that way.”
Hanson, however, also said that ZB will be there for its team members, regardless of where they live. “The situation is fluid and many states have not yet weighed in, but our company is committed to providing reimbursement for U.S. team members who need to travel for our covered medical services not available within 100 miles of their home, including reproductive healthcare.
“This, as well as many other topics and issues on the table right now, is deeply personal and people feel justifiably passionate about it. Ultimately, we believe that team members should make their own healthcare decisions in consultation with their healthcare provider — and, ZB intends to support those decisions by ensuring equal, consistent and safe access to the benefits we provide for our team members. … Thank you for caring for and respecting one another during this time.”
Medtronic
“As a healthcare company, we are committed to ensuring access to quality healthcare, and that starts first and foremost with our people. We are expanding our benefits policies to enable access to critical healthcare services for our U.S. employees. The new benefit will allow for reimbursement of travel, relocation, and legal expenses and is in addition to coverage already included in U.S. Medtronic medical plans.” – statement shared by spokesperson Erika Winkels
Boston Scientific
“Our current U.S. health care benefits offer employees comprehensive coverage including a broad range of reproductive health benefits. We are working in cooperation with our insurance providers and within parameters of applicable laws to continue to provide access to the reproductive care that we currently offer, including making out-of-state care accessible for our covered employees residing in states that have instituted laws that limit access in their states.” – statement shared by spokesperson Kate Haranis
Johnson & Johnson
“As the world’s most broadly-based healthcare company, we strive to improve access and affordability, create healthier communities, and put health within reach for the people we serve. We also believe healthcare decisions are best determined by individuals in consultation with their healthcare provider. We offer reimbursement for travel expenses to U.S. employees and their families for eligible medical services not available from any in-network or out-of-network provider within 100 miles of the patient’s home. This includes treatments such as cell therapy, gene therapy, organ transplantation, and reproductive healthcare.” – statement shared by spokesperson Ryan Carbain.
Rhia Ventures has created an online database with corporate responses to abortion bans.