Canadian women in tech sign letter pushing companies to cover travel costs for US employees seeking abortions

A number of Canadian women in tech are urging companies to assist their colleagues south of the border in accessing abortions.

The call follows the reversal of Roe v. Wade by the US Supreme Court, which among other things returned jurisdiction to the states regarding whether abortions are permitted.

According to CTV News, at least fifty "prominent women in Canada's tech sector" signed an open letter to employers expressing their concern.

Signatories included Summit Nanotech CEO Amanda Hall, Real Ventures managing partner Janet Bannister, Borrowell co-founder Eva Wong, and Willful CEO Erin Bury.

They urged companies who employ women in the US to cover the travel costs for those who seek abortions, and assist anyone who wishes to relocate to areas where the practice is accessible.

Further, they requested that the assistance be given "unconditionally," with no questions asked regarding the reason behind their choice to abort.

The group also suggested that employees who attend protests to "support women fighting for rights" should be given paid time off to do so.

A majority of Canadians support abortion, and following the US Supreme Court's decision, many north of the border expressed concern with the direction things were heading.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau called it "an attack on everyone's rights and freedoms," and vowed to fight for "abortion rights" around the world.

In May, the Trudeau Liberals promised $3.5 million for projects aimed at facilitating abortion services in Canada.

There have even been calls to give American women access to Canadian abortion clinics. "If they, people, come here and need access," said Liberal Minister of Families, Children and Social Development Karina Gould, "certainly, you know, that's a service that would be provided."