Sixty beauty brands support statement for US reproductive healthcare access

14 Jun 2022 --- Over 60 major beauty and wellness brands have joined forces with Don’t Ban Equality, a network of companies that support reproductive rights, to stand up for US citizens’ reproductive health care, including abortion.

The companies in support of reproductive healthcare include, but are not limited to, Benefit Cosmetics, Caire Beauty, Fenty Beauty, Fenty Skin, Glossier, Hyper Skin, KVD Beauty, Lip Lab, lululemon, Lush Cosmetics, Nuria Beauty, Pacifica Beauty, The Body Shop and Urban Skin Rx.

The Don’t Ban Equality statement was produced in reaction to the disturbing trend of state bans limiting access to comprehensive reproductive healthcare, including abortion, in 2019.

Industry support
More than 330 business leaders have spoken out against the prohibitions, claiming that they go against their company’s values and harm efforts to promote workplace equality, putting businesses, communities and the economy at risk.

In a statement on the Don’t Ban Equality Beauty and Wellness website, companies state: “We believe that access to health care is fundamental to achieving equality in the workplace.”

With abortion restrictions gaining traction across the US, a coalition of beauty and wellness companies is supporting access to reproductive healthcare.“Restrictions on access to health care, including abortion, significantly impact our industry, workers and customers. Overturning Roe v. Wade could cause more than 36 million women in 26 states to lose access to this essential health care.”

Implemented in 1973, Roe v. Wade was a landmark Supreme Court case in which the Court held that the Constitution of the US protects a pregnant woman’s right to choose whether or not to have an abortion without excessive government interference.

Where it all began: Six-week abortion ban
When SB 8 (after six-week abortion ban) was passed in Texas in 2021, companies came out in support of abortion access and condemned the law’s restrictive measures.

Now, as Roe faces a direct threat in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, the business community must rally again. If Roe is overturned, 24 states could ban or severely restrict abortion access for tens of millions of women. Only 14 states have passed laws that explicitly protect the right to abortion.

Social issues impact brands
According to a survey, approximately seven in ten respondents (69%) believe that access to reproductive health care, including abortion, should be one of the issues that companies address when it comes to gender issues in the workplace.

Additionally, 68% of top talent believe their company must take a stand on social problems. Respondents were three times as likely to indicate they would be disappointed if their company made a public statement about gender equity and empowerment but did not take action.

The Don’t Ban Equality statement was produced in reaction to the disturbing trend of state bans limiting access to reproductive healthcare.“Restrictions on reproductive rights hinder our workers in and out of the workplace and negatively affect our efforts to promote equality and diversity at our companies. The companies add that everyone should have access to the comprehensive reproductive health care they need, including abortion,” the companies add.

More than half of Gen Z and Millennials said they would be more likely to buy from a company that publicly supports reproductive health care.

Lack of law awareness
Most US citizens are unaware of the current situation of abortion rights and access.

Although political leaders in every state have proposed abortion restrictions in the last year, only 22% of those polled claim they’ve heard about it in their state.

Additionally, 77% of consumers view reproductive health care – contraception and abortion access – as a critical issue, with 91% of Gen Z and 86% of Millennials agreeing.

In other developments, PersonalCareInsights previously reported on the CROWN Act that was signed into law in the US states of Maine and Tennessee. The act attempts to end hair-based discrimination.

By Nicole Kerr

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