Patagonia to bail out employees 'who peacefully protest' for 'reproductive justice'

Outdoor gear manufacturer Patagonia says it will bail out employees who choose to "peacefully protest" for "reproductive justice."

The company made the announcement in a statement following the Supreme Court's reversal of Roe v. Wade, outlining how it would help those affected by the ruling.

"Caring for employees extends beyond basic health insurance, so we take a more holistic approach to coverage and support overall wellness to which every human has a right," the statement reads.

"That means offering employees the dignity of access to reproductive health care. It means supporting employees’ choices around if or when they have a child. It means giving parents the resources they need to work and raise children."

The statement goes on to explain that in the US, Patagonia will cover the cost of abortions for all part-time and full-time employees, including travel, lodging, and food "where restrictions exist."

"Training and bail for those who peacefully protest for reproductive justice," is also offered to all employees, as well as time off to vote, and resources to ensure an informed decision is made.

Employees who do decide to have children are offered four weeks of paid pregnancy leave, and/or twelve weeks of paid "parental bonding" leave, as well as assistance caring for kids.

In recent days, a number of companies have come out and offered to pay for their employees' abortion costs, but only Patagonia has gone so far as to foot the bill for those caught protesting.

Protests broke out across the US after a Supreme Court document hinting at the reversal of Roe v. Wade was leaked in May, and have only escalated further after the ruling was made official on Friday.

Many of the protestors have been peaceful, while others have taken more extreme measures to get their frustrations out.