Over 180 CEOs speak out against recent abortion bans, but none from Virginia

More than 180 CEOs, including leaders from H&M, Yelp, Warby Parker, and Bloomberg LP published a letter in a full-page ad in Monday’s New York Times, criticizing the recent string of abortion bans across the United States.

The signers of the letter, whose companies employ more than 108,000 workers, wrote that the “future of gender equality hangs in the balance,” and said the recent abortion bans put families, communities, businesses and the economy at risk.

The companies span the country, from California to New York to Texas, but none are based in Virginia.

The letter highlights the importance of equality in the workplace and said that “restricting access to comprehensive reproductive care, including abortion, threatens the health, independence and economic stability of our employees and customers.”

CEOs said the bans betray their values and will hinder companies’ abilities to build diverse and inclusive workplaces, recruit top talent across the country and protect the well-being of employees who help American businesses thrive.

The letter comes at a time when abortion rights are on the line across the country, even in Virginia. The attacks on reproductive rights have led to a significant backlash among the public, as 71% of Americans believe abortion should be legal.

The issue has proven particularly galvanizing for Democrats. A new CNN poll of likely Iowa Democratic caucus goers showed that 8 in 10 voters, including 85% of women, called it a “must have,” making it their top issue.

Photo © Scott Lynch