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'So women will have to NOTIFY HR?' Amazon slammed for reimbursing staff traveling for abortions

An Amazon spokesperson confirmed that the benefits also include bariatric care, oncology, congenital anomalies within 24 months of birth, and more

Amazon will reimburse staff in the US who travel for a wide range of non-life-threatening medical treatments, including elective abortions. Each year, the firm will reportedly pay up to $4,000 in travel expenses for treatments that are not available nearby, that is, inside a 161km radius of an employee's home, and for which virtual options are not available.

Confirming the benefit expansion to BBC, an Amazon spokesperson confirmed that it also includes bariatric care, oncology, congenital anomalies from within 24 months of birth, mental health treatments and in-patient substance abuse disorder services. Employees enrolled in two different health plans that Amazon offers, including those working in offices or in warehouses, can avail the benefits. 

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The benefit expansion is not specifically aimed at allowing access to abortions. However, the announcement does come at a time when multiple Republican state governments have passed laws to restrict abortion access in their jurisdictions. The Supreme Court will also rule on a case next month, that could overturn Roe v Wade -- a 1973 ruling that legalized abortion. If overturned, each US state could be at the liberty to determine its own abortion rules. In a situation like this, over 20 states could not only limit abortion care but even ban abortions altogether.

Amazon's move, however, is being widely criticized on social media on various grounds. "Sounds like a Jeff bezos thing to do. I won't pay you more to take care of your unborn child but I'll gladly help you get rid of it." "Also abortion is rather life threatening. For the child of course," one user wrote. "Gee, that's swell. But shouldn't a free woman citizen of America be allowed to make private health care decisions without the need to involve her boss?" another user wrote.

"Seems like it would be cheaper and more beneficial for society if they just stopped donating to Republican candidates," one user wrote, while another said, "So women would have to go to HR and put on their work records they're having an abortion. And notify supervisors, many of whom will tell coworkers. Amazon knows a lot of women aren't going to take them up on it." "Sharing personal healthcare info with your employer, and being job-locked because of their promise to assist, IS NOT A VIABLE SOLUTION TO THE LOSS OF A CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHT FOR MORE THAN HALF OF THE POPULATION!" one user said. 

Disclaimer: This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.