Large Indiana corporations Eli Lilly and Cummins oppose the state's proposed limitations for abortion

Eli Lilly, one of Indiana's major employers, has said that the state's newly approved law banning abortions will force the company to relocate.

In a statement made on Saturday, Lilly admitted that abortion is "a controversial and profoundly personal matter on which there is no clear consensus among Indiana people."

Eli Lilly remarked that Indiana has opted to establish one of the strictest anti-abortion laws in the United States despite the lack of consensus. "We are concerned that this rule may hinder Lilly's and Indiana's capacity to attract diverse scientific, engineering, and commercial talent from across the world. This new law will oblige us to plan for the creation of more jobs outside of our home state."

Following the Friday overturning of Roe v. Wade by the U.S. Supreme Court, Indiana's legislature became the first in the nation to enact a new bill restricting access to abortions. After the June Supreme Court decision that eliminated constitutional protections for the procedure, the Louisiana legislature was one of the earliest under Republican leadership to explore harsher abortion legislation.

Since approximately 145 years, Lilly has maintained its headquarters in Indianapolis, Indiana, with over 10,000 people.

The engine maker Cummins, which employs more than 10,000 people in Indiana, also opposed the new regulation over the weekend.

"The freedom to make decisions regarding reproductive health ensures that women have an equal opportunity to fully participate in our employment and that our workforce is varied," stated a spokesperson for the company.

A spokeswoman for Cummins explained, "There are provisions in the legislation that conflict with this, harm our personnel, hinder our ability to recruit and retain top talent, and influence our decisions as we continue to expand our footprint with an emphasis on selecting friendly and inclusive places."

The two firms join a growing number of enterprises, such as computer giant Apple and denim retailer Levi Strauss, that provide reproductive care alternatives to their employees in countries with limitations.

Eli Lilly announced on Saturday that "this may not be adequate for certain present and potential employees" despite the fact that the pharmaceutical company has expanded its employee health plan coverage to include travel for reproductive treatments.

The Indiana abortion ban is scheduled to take effect on September 15. There are exceptions, such as in cases of rape or incest and to protect the mother's life.

President Joe Biden's administration has also denounced Indiana's decision. The White House press secretary, Karine Jean-Pierre, referred to it as a "devastating step."

"This is just another radical step by Republican legislators to restrict women's reproductive rights and independence and place personal health-care decisions in the hands of politicians rather than women and their physicians," she said in a statement.