Stop the Backward Slide for Women in the Workplace: Gender Equity Includes Full Access to Reproductive Healthcare | A Message from Linkage CEO Jennifer McCollum

Earlier this month, a draft opinion from the U.S. Supreme Court showed that a majority of justices voted to overturn Roe v. Wade, the landmark case that established the right to abortion in the United States.

This week, Jennifer McCollum, CEO of Linkage, shared her thoughts on LinkedIn on this recent news. Follow Jen on LinkedIn and read her thoughts here:

At Linkage, we’ve committed 25 years to breaking down the barriers for women to help accelerate their own personal and professional growth. We partner with some of the world’s most respected companies to support them in efforts to achieve gender parity. It is core to fulfilling our mission to Change the Face of Leadership.

As I deliberate on the Supreme Court’s draft decision this month to overturn Roe v. Wade, I’ve engaged in critical dialogue with many men and women on the far-reaching implications of this ruling, especially at this point in our country’s divided history. I’ve also been reflecting on my own experience, which now spans 30 years in the workforce. For my entire life and for many generations before me, women have been fighting for equal treatment, in access to jobs, pay, promotions and respect.

This potential decision by the Supreme Court would take us backward. It poses yet another barrier for us to face simultaneous with the devastating consequences of a two-year global health pandemic, which has already reversed decades of progress for women. When we create more obstacles for any woman, we limit the ability for all of us to step into our own power; to realize our potential; and to live and lead with the greatest possible impact. Full equity for women also means full access to reproductive healthcare.

Today, and every day, we are committed to helping create more opportunity for women. Linkage is grateful to stand alongside other leading organizations like Catalyst and Ellevest, who are also leading the way in their advocacy for gender equity.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

The most effective leaders fully understand the factors impacting their teams and communities, and they purposefully seek out the education and knowledge they need to support their teams.

To support you on your leadership journey, check out these resources for more information on this important topic.

Community Impact

NPR: Abortion is also about racial justice, experts and advocates say

The Wall Street Journal: Abortion-Rights Supporters March to Protest Possible Overturning of Roe v. Wade

NPR: A landmark study tracks the lasting effect of having an abortion — or being denied one

Economic Impact

NPR Marketplace: What the Supreme Court’s possible Roe v. Wade reversal would do to the economy

The New York Times: Ten Books to Understand the Abortion Debate in the United States

The New York Times Deal Book:  Business and Roe v. Wade

Organizational Impact

The Wall Street Journal – Risk and Compliance Journal: Abortion Debate Puts Corporate Initiatives in the Spotlight

SHRM: Amazon Joins List of Companies that Reimburse Travel for Abortions

USA TODAY: Starbucks to Add Abortion Travel Coverage to U.S. Health Benefits

SHRM: Guidance on Handling Roe v. Wade Discussions in the Workplace