Cummins outlines opposition to Indiana abortion law
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Another one of Indiana’s largest companies is expressing opposition to the abortion bill signed into law Friday by Governor Eric Holcomb. In a statement shared to employees on Saturday, Columbus-based Cummins Inc. (NYSE: CMI) said it is “deeply concerned” how the law impacts employees and impedes its ability to attract and retain a diverse workforce in Indiana. The statement follows a similar one from Indianapolis-based Eli Lilly and Co. (NYSE: LLY), which said it plans to look outside Indiana for future expansion projects.
Cummins says it has been communicating its position on the abortion legislation to employees and directly with legislative leaders before, during and after the legislative process.
“Cummins believes that women should have the right to make reproductive healthcare decisions as a matter of gender equity, ensuring that women have the same opportunity as others to participate fully in the workforce and that our workforce is diverse,” the company said in its statement. “This law is contrary to this goal and we oppose it.”
The company said the new law, which goes into effect September 15, will not affect its right to offer reproductive health benefits, and it will continue to offer those benefits to employees.
Like Lilly, Cummins says the passage of the bill could affect future growth plans in Indiana.
“As we continue to grow our footprint with a focus on selecting communities that align with our values and business goals, this law will be considered in our decision-making process,” the company said.
The ban prohibits abortions except in the cases of rape, incest, life or physical health of the mother, and some fatal fetal anomalies. Additionally, abortion procedures will only be allowed in hospitals or standalone ambulatory surgical centers owned by a hospital.
The statements from both Cummins and Lilly were the first public comments on the abortion bill from each company.
Lilly and Cummins are Indiana’s second and third largest public companies by revenue, respectively, according to IBJ research. Cummins employs nearly 60,000 people globally, including more than 10,000 in Indiana.