Tech Firms Stay Silent as Texas Enacts Strict Abortion Ban
Texas implements a strict abortion law with a unique bounty hunting clause, but the expected corporate backlash never materializes. Experts attribute this silence to pandemic distractions and the surprising nature of the sudden legislation.
Texas enacts a strict abortion ban that includes an unprecedented clause allowing private citizens to sue anyone who assists an abortion after six weeks of pregnancy. Despite nearly 200 corporate leaders speaking out against similar proposed legislation in 2019, the current business backlash remains completely absent.
Experts point to several reasons for this corporate silence as companies manage a highly distracted workforce during the ongoing pandemic. The Supreme Court's decision not to intervene takes many by surprise, leaving corporate leaders with very little time to organize a public response to the suddenly enforced law.
Advocates express deep disappointment in these quiet companies and insist that corporate integrity is directly at stake. While a few businesses like Match Group and Bumble eventually establish funds to support affected employees, the overwhelming majority of major tech firms that recently relocated to Texas choose to avoid public comment.