Bumble & Match create abortion relief funds for staff

Dating app firms Bumble and Match are set to offer support to their staff who are going through abortions.

It comes after a restrictive abortion law which prohibits abortions was recently imposed by the Supreme Court in Texas.

Bumble, who is based in Austin, Texas, shared that it would create a relief fund supporting people seeking abortions in the state.

In a tweet shared by the firm, it said: “Bumble is women-founded and women-led, and from day one we’ve stood up for the most vulnerable. We’ll keep fighting against regressive laws like #SB8.

“Starting today, Bumble has created a relief fund supporting the reproductive rights of women and people across the gender spectrum who seek abortions in Texas.”

Starting today, Bumble has created a relief fund supporting the reproductive rights of women and people across the gender spectrum who seek abortions in Texas.

— Bumble (@bumble)

Starting today, Bumble has created a relief fund supporting the reproductive rights of women and people across the gender spectrum who seek abortions in Texas.

— Bumble (@bumble) September 1, 2021

Meanwhile, in a memo sent to employees Match Group’s chief executive officer (CEO) Shar Dubey, said that she would personally create a fund to support employees based in Texas, as well as dependents who needed to seek care outside of the state, reported CNBC.

Dubey added: “As I have said before, the company generally does not take political stands unless it is relevant to our business. But in this instance, I personally, as a woman in Texas, could not keep silent.

“Surely everyone should see the danger of this highly punitive and unfair law that doesn’t even make an exception for victims of rape or incest. I would hate for our state to take this big step back in women’s rights.”

Match is based in Dallas, Texas.

What support should employers offer in the UK?

While this support is taking place in the US, it shines a light on what support HR teams and employers could offer their staff who may be going through an abortion while working in the UK.

Speaking to Reward Strategy, Karen Holden, CEO of A City Law Firm, shared that employers should be open to discussion and communication with their employees during sensitive times such as an abortion.

She explained: “Employers should make themselves accessible to staff to discuss sensitive issues in a confidential forum, to avoid grievances and complaints, but ultimately to discuss any ongoing mental or physical symptoms.

“This can bring up if their staff feel supported and safe. Also, hopefully, a discussion about leave, paid, unpaid and statutory sick pay (SSP) can be had to meet both parties needs.”

She warned that while many employers may have policies regards pregnancy, maternity and possibly pregnancy related illness and miscarriage, “few may have gone beyond this to consider abortion”.

With this in mind, HR teams should consider implementing such policies to ensure that employees can feel as supported as possible when going through sensitive issues.