Match Group’s CEO Shar Dubey and Bumble have both set up relief funds for women in Texas, after the state introduced the most restrictive abortion laws in the country.
The law bans all abortions after cardiac activity is detected, typically around six weeks from conception, even in cases of rape and incest. Many women don’t know they’re pregnant before six weeks and over 85% of abortions take place after this mark.
Both Match Group and Bumble are headquartered in Texas so a number of employees could have concerns about the future.
In an internal memo sent to all staff, Dubey said that she is creating a fund to help cover the additional costs if any employees need to seek treatment outside of the state.
According to Bloomberg, the memo read: “This particular law is so regressive to the cause of women’s rights that I felt compelled to speak publicly about my personal views.
“As a Texas resident, I am shocked that I now live in a state where women’s reproductive laws are more regressive than most of the world. I’m not speaking about this as the CEO of a company. I’m speaking about this personally, as a mother and a woman who has fervently cared about women’s rights, including the very fundamental right of choice over her body.”
Bumble tweeted its commitment to setting up a relief fund to support the reproductive rights of people seeking abortions in Texas.
The statement explained: “Bumble is women-founded and women-led, and from day one we’ve stood up for the most vulnerable. We’ll keep fighting against regressive laws like #SB8.”
The law also allows people to file lawsuits against anyone who is suspected of helping a woman get an abortion. Successful claimants will be awarded up to $10,000.
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