Tennessee’s abortion ban has some employers rethinking benefits, and some employees looking to relocate

ALEXIS MARSHALL AUGUST 1, 2022

Lyndsay Kash works at the clothing shop Marine Layer in the 12 South shopping district. When she saw the news that Roe v. Wade was overturned, she was shocked. ... “I mean I was here, when I was reading the news about all this,” Kash says. “Our entire reaction, everyone was kind of just like stunned, that we had to just keep going with our day like nothing happened, just keep working.”

Kash says she and her coworkers were messaging about what would happen next, and if their company would respond. ..Soon, they had their answer. The San Francisco-based chain announced it would reimburse up to $5,000 for employees who have to travel out of state for an abortion. The money could also cover travel for a support person.

And, the company’s health plan is open to an often left-out group. ... “We actually, as a company, allow that for part-time workers. I feel like that’s not usually how it goes,” Kash says. “Even I am available for that, even if I’m only working 20 hours a week.”

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Marine Layer is one of several national companies, including Amazon and Starbucks, announcing similar types of support. Even Nashville’s Metro Council has voted in favor of offering this kind of benefit. {snip} Anti-abortion group Tennessee Right to Life has hinted it may lobby next session against crossing state lines for the procedure.

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