“To build a resilient workforce and thriving economy, it’s up to corporate leaders and lawmakers to take decisive action and make reproductive healthcare a top priority.”
The National Bureau of Economic Research published a study on Jan. 6, 2025, revealing that nearly 129,000 residents have moved away from the 13 states that have implemented near-total abortion bans since the 2022 Dobbs decision.
A new study published on Mar. 3 from the Institute for Women’s Policy Research (IWPR) provides more evidence for this exodus: Based on a survey of 10,000 adults conducted by Morning Consult, one in five individuals planning to have children within the next decade has moved—or knows someone who has moved—to another state due to abortion restrictions.
“Workers are not willing to trade their health and autonomy for a paycheck,” said Dr. Jamila K. Taylor, president and CEO of IWPR. “Access to reproductive healthcare is a fundamental component of workplace equity, and businesses can no longer afford to ignore the impact of abortion restrictions on their workforce.”
Characterizing the exodus as a “brain drain,” Taylor warned employers: “Our report makes it clear that companies who fail to address these needs risk losing their competitive edge. To build a resilient workforce and thriving economy, it’s up to corporate leaders and lawmakers to take decisive action and make reproductive healthcare a top priority.”
The survey reported that nearly 60 percent of parents and those likely to have children in the next decade are concerned about access to abortion, OB-GYN services and prenatal care. States with abortion bans are losing obstetricians and gynecologists. Fifty-seven percent of individuals likely to have children in the next 10 years say they are more likely to apply for or accept a job with reproductive healthcare benefits.
Survey participants nationwide wanted employers to offer healthcare coverage that provides contraception, paid leave, flexible schedules and financial assistance for child care.
“The results show reproductive healthcare is a personal and workplace imperative,” said Nancy Northup, president of the Center for Reproductive Rights, which advised on the study.
Survey participants also want employers to fight for reproductive rights: 51 percent of employed adults believe companies should publicly speak out in support of reproductive rights and 56 percent believe companies should work with lawmakers to protect access to reproductive rights.
“For business leaders and policymakers, protecting reproductive rights isn’t just the right thing to do—it’s essential for talent retention and long-term economic stability,” said Northrup.
The study made several recommendations to employers, including:
- Cover travel for out-of-state abortion care services;
- Implement remote work options or relocation assistance so employees can move to states that protect reproductive rights;
- Avoid hosting retreats, conferences and other events in states that restrict emergency care for pregnant women; and
- Take a stand for reproductive rights through public advocacy and partnerships with organizations working to secure these rights.
The report concluded that employers that fail to address employees’ concerns “risk losing top talent to competitors that champion reproductive rights and provide robust health benefits, including abortion care.”
