Washington: In a landmark decision, the US Supreme Court has decided to abolish the right to abortion in the country. The issue of abortion has been the most debatable matter in the US for the last 50 years. During this period, the United States has had constitutional protections for abortion.
After this historic decision by the Supreme Court, numerous US companies, including Walt Disney Co (DIS.N) and Facebook parent Meta Platforms Inc (META.O), revealed that they are ready to help their employees and try to provide financial help if they need to go to other places for abortion services after the US Supreme Court cancelled “Roe v. Wade.”
Supreme Court reversed 1973 decision
The US Supreme Court cancelled the 1973 “Roe v Weed” decision that had given the constitutional right to a woman to go for an abortion. It was seen as a huge morale booster for Republicans and religious conservatives, who were demanding that the right to abortion be limited or banned.
Several states are likely to strictly or fully ban abortions following the decision by the Supreme Court. It would be difficult for female employees to terminate their pregnancies unless they relocated to states where it is legal.
Effect of court’s decision
The court’s decisions will be followed in most of the US states that have crimanalise or banned abortion completely. In such a situation, a woman will have to go to other states where this procedure is allowed at the moment. The decision overturned the country’s 1973 Roe v. Wade decision, which held that women had the right to an abortion based on their constitutional right to privacy over their bodies.
Biden warns against court decision
Meanwhile, US President Joe Biden was not happy with this decision of the Apex Court. He wants to protect women’s rights at any cost in the country, but abortion laws will really affect their rights. He warned that abortion decisions could jeopardise the right to contraception and same-sex marriage, and that this is a risky path.
Companies ready to help
Several big companies have come to help a woman who wants an abortion. The second-largest private employer in the United States, Amazon, announced that it will reimburse employees up to $4,000 in travel expenses per year for non-life-threatening medical treatments, including elective abortions.
Apple, Inc. has made it clear that its existing health plan covers both abortion care and travel costs. Many other companies have been planning to help pregnant women who want abortions.
Wasim Haque
