Over 400 TV Writers And Showrunners Demand Abortion Protections From Major Studios, Report Says

Topline

Over 400 television head writers, showrunners and creators—including Shonda Rhimes, Issa Rae and Mindy Kaling—sent letters Thursday to executives at Netflix, Disney, Warner Bros. and other major studios demanding specific protections for employees in states where abortion is illegal, Variety reported, as many companies react to Roe v. Wade’s reversal by offering to help staff access out-of-state abortion care.

Key Facts

The group also sent letters to NBC Universal, Apple, Paramount, Lionsgate, AMC and Amazon, and gave the studios 10 business days to detail their plans, according to Variety—though the group didn’t specify how it will react if the studios don’t respond.

The signers asked to review each studio’s abortion policies, including their plans for subsidizing travel for employees who need to get an abortion in a different state and details on the scope of medical care for employees—including for pregnancy complications and ectopic pregnancies.

The signers also want to review studios’ policies regarding legal protection for employees who take advantage of abortion care or give someone information about the companies’ offerings, and asked studios to promise to stop donating to anti-abortion politicians and politicial action committees.

As productions are ongoing on states where abortion is now illegal or heavily restricted, the studios’ responses will be used “to determine whether or not we will continue to work in these high risk environments,” the letter reads.

High-profile signers included Rhimes, Amy Sherman-Palladino, Rae, Kaling, Ava DuVernay, Natasha Lyonne, Marta Kauffman, Elizabeth Meriwether, Chelsea Handler, Amy Schumer, Vanessa Bayer, Ashley Nicole Black and Rachel Bloom.

Crucial Quote

“It is unacceptable to ask any person to choose between their human rights and their employment,” the letter reads. “Many of us would not have the careers and families we have today if we had not been granted the freedom to choose what was best for ourselves.”

Key Background

Several companies have taken a public stance since the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade and allowed states to ban abortion. Companies like Starbucks, Lyft, AirBnB and Microsoft have vowed to fund travel for employees seeking abortions in other states. A poll conducted by Morning Consult shortly after the ruling found 56% of Americans support companies allowing employees to relocate because of their states’ abortion policies, and 51% supported companies funding medical services and travel costs for employees who seek abortion care out of state.

Tangent

Disney, Netflix, Amazon and Apple—all of which received letters from the group of TV writers—have pledged to cover travel costs for employees looking to receive out-of-state abortions.

Further Reading

Most Americans Support Companies Funding Out-Of-State Abortion Access, Poll Finds (Forbes)

These Are The U.S. Companies Offering Abortion-Related Benefits (Forbes)

Americans Want the Corporate Sector to Support Abortion Rights and Access (Forbes)