Fresh Mike | Reuters Drugmaker Eli Lilly, one of Indiana’s largest employers, said the state’s recently passed law restricting abortion will cause the company to expand far from its home. Lilly said in a statement Saturday that it recognizes abortion as a “divisive and deeply personal issue with no clear consensus among the citizens of Indiana.” “Despite the lack of agreement, Indiana chose to quickly adopt one of the most restrictive anti-abortion laws in the United States,” said Eli Lilly. “We are concerned that this law will hinder Lilly’s – and Indiana’s – ability to attract diverse scientific, engineering and business talent from around the world. Given this new law, we will be forced to plan for more employment growth outside of our state.” “ The Indiana Legislature on Friday became the first in the nation to pass new legislation restricting access to abortion after the US Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade. The state was among the first Republican-led state legislatures to debate tougher abortion laws after the Supreme Court ruled in June that stripped constitutional protections for the procedure. Lilly employs approximately 10,000 people in Indiana, where it has been headquartered in Indianapolis for more than 145 years. Cummins, an engine maker that also employs about 10,000 people in Indiana, spoke out over the weekend against the new law as well. “The right to make decisions about reproductive health ensures that women have the same opportunity as others to fully participate in our workforce and that our workforce is diverse,” a company spokesperson said in a statement. “There are provisions in the law that conflict with this, impact our people, hinder our ability to attract and retain top talent and influence our decisions as we continue to grow our footprint with a focus on choosing welcoming and inclusive environments “, the Cummins spokesman said. The two businesses join a growing list of companies, including tech giant Apple and jeans retailer Levi Strauss, offering employees resources for reproductive care in states where restrictions have been put in place. Eli Lilly noted on Saturday that although the drug company has expanded its employee health plan coverage to include travel for reproductive services, “this may not be enough for some current and potential employees.” Indiana’s abortion ban is expected to take effect on September 15. It comes with some exceptions, including in cases of rape or incest, and to protect the life of the mother. President Joe Biden’s administration also condemned the Indiana decision. White House press secretary Karin Jean-Pierre called it a “disastrous step.” “And, it’s another radical step by Republican lawmakers to take away women’s reproductive rights and freedom and put personal health care decisions in the hands of politicians rather than women and their doctors,” she said in a statement. .
