A Note from Vox Media CEO Jim Bankoff on the Supreme Court Decision Overturning Roe v. Wade

Vox Media CEO Jim Bankoff shared the following note with staff today, outlining the company’s updated policies regarding access to abortion and other reproductive health benefits. As always, the company’s editorial organizations operate independently when covering these topics.

Hi everyone,

Today’s US Supreme Court decision deeply harms the autonomy and health of women and all people who become pregnant. I want you to know that Vox Media will continue to support employees seeking access to critical health care, including abortion.

This ruling will have a disproportionate impact on access to care depending on where people live, their financial resources, and their race. It puts families, communities, and the economy at risk, threatening the gains that women have made in the workplace over the past 50 years. It may also have a profound impact on the right to privacy, and we will remain committed to supporting our employees’ privacy rights as the law evolves.

As a company operating in 37 states and Washington, DC, we know that Vox Media employees are affected by these changes. Below you’ll find an important update from our People team outlining how we will expand our support across the United States.

As always, our editorial organizations operate with journalistic integrity and independence when covering these topics.

I know this is a difficult day for many across the company. If you have questions or need support, please reach out to your People business partner or manager.

Jim

A new health care travel reimbursement
Vox Media will provide financial support to cover eligible expenses related to travel to receive critical health care that is unavailable within 100 miles of an employee’s home, including abortion and gender-affirming care, among other critical health needs. A reimbursement of up to $1,500 can be used to cover travel-related expenses (such as transportation, meals, and lodging). Learn more about this reimbursement and how the process will respect your privacy in the US employee handbook.

Expanding pregnancy loss leave
Vox Media currently has a pregnancy loss leave policy to support employees who experience miscarriage or stillbirth and covers employees who need time off for themselves or to support a spouse or domestic partner. This updated policy now more clearly includes individuals who access abortion. It also broadens the definition of partner to go beyond legal status and extends to people who need time to care for a dependent. Learn more about this updated policy in the US employee handbook.

Current benefits
Vox Media’s insurance plans offered through Cigna, Kaiser, and Empire all offer coverage for abortion. We will keep an eye on how insurance providers cover abortion and discuss this with them as we approach open enrollment this fall. Reproductive health benefits will continue to be a priority for Vox Media. To learn more about these benefits please email the benefits team.

Joining “Don’t Ban Equality”
Along with 300+ leading organizations, Vox Media is signing the Don’t Ban Equality statement that prioritizes equality in the workplace and recognizes the harm caused by restrictions on reproductive health care, including abortion. Don’t Ban Equality offers access to experts and other resources regarding the intersection of reproductive health care, workplace, and gender equity that help inform and support our company leadership on these important issues.