Cloud: Big Tech Prioritizing Abortion Coverage Over Paid Family Leave
Raises concern female employees are being pressured into abortions
WASHINGTON — Today, Economic and Consumer Policy Subcommittee Ranking Member Michael Cloud (R-Texas) sent a letter to the Walt Disney Company, Warner Bros. Discovery Inc., Alphabet Inc., and Meta raising concerns that Big Tech companies are seemingly pressuring women to take advantage of abortion coverage rather than paid family leave policy. Subcommittee Ranking Member Cloud is seeking a briefing to better understand these companies’ decision to emphasize abortion coverage over paid family leave in the wake of the Supreme Court’s decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization.
“Women have historically faced discrimination for being pregnant due to the number of days women will be absent from the workforce due to the birth and care of their children. The Pregnancy Discrimination Act forbids discrimination based on pregnancy related to any aspect of employment, including hiring, firing, pay, job assignments, promotions, layoffs, training, and benefits. Though illegal, there are many ways in which companies discourage women from carrying pregnancies to term, such as discouraging taking additional time off, making it impossible to get their shifts covered, or taking women off more prominent projects,” wrote Cloud.
“During this time of historically high 9.1 percent inflation, skyrocketing gas prices, and baby formula shortages, it is imperative that women feel they are supported in their decision to balance their family with their work,” continued Cloud. “They should not feel coerced into seeking an abortion instead of taking time off to have their child.”
The letters can be found here: