Melissa Atkins Discusses Abortion Benefits in American Banker

Obermayer labor and employment partner Melissa Atkins was quoted in American Banker in connection with the newly added abortion benefits after the Supreme Court draft opinion overturning Roe v. Wade was leaked in early May 2022. 

The article, titled “Fintechs navigate the murky legal territory of abortion benefits,” published on July 19, 2022, analyzes the reproductive benefits that would cover the cost of travel, and sometimes medical or legal, expenses for employees forced to seek abortions outside of their home states and how those benefits could become a sticking point for potential or existing employees in states with restrictive laws, especially as companies become increasingly relaxed about hiring remote workers.

“If employees feel a company is being silent on the issue, it could impact morale or the culture of the workforce,” said Melissa Atkins pointing out that technology is already a male-dominant field. “It could have negative impacts on retention and hiring, which is crucial in some industries right now.”

Melissa also shared that “Until states implement laws surrounding abortion, benefits, or what implications can come from helping an abortion, even if you are a corporation, it’s unknown.”

Read the full article here.