Apple is monitoring legal challenges to Texas abortion law

Apple in an internal memo circulated among employees on Thursday said it is monitoring legal challenges to Texas' recently passed abortion law, according to a report.

The memo, which references Texas' "uniquely restrictive abortion law," was posted to an internal employee message board and seen by TechCrunch, which corroborated its authenticity with Apple.

"At Apple, we support our employees' rights to make their own decisions regarding their reproductive health," the message reads. "We are actively monitoring the legal proceedings challenging the uniquely restrictive abortion law in Texas. In the meantime, we want to remind you that our benefits at Apple are comprehensive, and that they allow our employees to travel out-of-state for medical care if it is unavailable in their home state."

Passed earlier this month, the new law mandates a near-total ban on abortions after roughly six weeks of pregnancy. In a bid to thwart legal opposition, state officials are unable to enforce the legislation. Instead, private citizens are effectively deputized to sue anyone who "aids and abets" in a deemed-illegal abortion. In addition to the right to recover legal fees, plaintiffs can be awarded damages of $10,000 per instance.

The legislation has been vehemently opposed by pro-choice activists across the country, though challenges have so far been few as the law was designed to complicate legal tests under Roe v. Wade.

Corporations have made moves to protect their employees over the past couple weeks. Salesforce, for example, offered to relocate workers and their families should they have concerns over reproductive health care. It is unclear if Apple plans to institute similar programs.

As noted in the report, Apple's Austin campus is home to thousands of employees and a new $1 billion facility that is expected to host up to 15,000 workers is due to open in 2022. The company also operates 17 retail stores in the state.

The memo in its entirety:

A message about women's reproductive health care

At Apple, we support our employees' rights to make their own decisions regarding their reproductive health.

We are actively monitoring the legal proceedings challenging the uniquely restrictive abortion law in Texas. In the meantime, we want to remind you that our benefits at Apple are comprehensive, and that they allow our employees to travel out-of-state for medical care if it is unavailable in their home state. If you need help in navigating your care or that of your dependents, your health plan carrier can confidentially assist you.

Your health and well-being remain our highest priority, and we will continue to do all that we can to ensure that you and your families have access to the care that Apple provides.