Americans Are Rethinking Job Opportunities In States Restricting Reproductive Care

The landscape of the American workforce is evolving, not just in terms of technology and remote work, but also regarding the literal location of where workers are moving. Increasingly, state legislation around reproductive rights, including in vitro fertilization (IVF), is affecting job choices.  

Data from a survey published by ResumeBuilder.com involving 1,250 employed U.S. adults suggests reproductive healthcare policies are a factor for many when considering job opportunities in different states. 

The study’s key findings reveal that one in five workers are unlikely to accept job offers in states with highly restrictive abortion policies — with women being more hesitant than men. Moreover, one-third of pro-choice workers in the states with the most stringent abortion laws are contemplating relocation.  

The issue of IVF legislation has proven to be equally contentious among workers. 30% of respondents said they would be reluctant to consider employment in states enacting laws that effectively ban IVF — a sentiment that, again, was notably more prevalent among women, particularly those aged 45 to 54. Notably, 14% of workers said they are “likely to leave their state to work elsewhere if legislation effectively banning IVF passed.” 

The data suggests a rising trend amongst professionals who are weighing employment options based on their healthcare needs and values.  

As a countermeasure, Resume Builder’s Chief Career Advisor Stacie Haller reports, “some companies are adapting by expanding their benefits packages. This may include offering higher salaries or providing compensation for travel expenses incurred when seeking health care services out of state. Such proactive measures aim to accommodate employees’ health care requirements and enhance their overall well-being. Organizations do not want to lose workers due to state policies, which are out of their control.” 

This survey not only highlights the direct impact of healthcare legislation on employment decisions but also suggests a broader shift in how Americans prioritize their personal values and well-being, even in their professional lives.  

A significant portion of the workforce are willing to consider a job or even consider leaving their current state over reproductive healthcare policies. The data suggests that the future of attraction and retention efforts in the U.S. may become increasingly influenced by personal values and state healthcare legislation.