The state is the world’s ninth-largest economy and has attracted companies like Tesla and Oracle, but many firms with a major presence in Texas are staying mum after a law took effect Wednesday prohibiting most abortions in the state after about six weeks of pregnancy, well before most know they’re even pregnant. (Fortune, Axios, The New York Times)
Talking point: Two notable standouts are women-led Match Group and Bumble. The latter dating-app company said it “created a relief fund supporting the reproductive rights of women and people across the gender spectrum who seek abortions in Texas.” Match made a similar announcement in an internal memo. Tech companies could face repercussions under the law, which critics called “unconstitutional,” “almost un-American” and “the worst.” Anyone who, knowingly or not, aids in or abets the “performance or inducement” of an abortion could be sued. Some have raised concerns that potentially could include even indirect ties, like a ride-share driver taking a woman to a clinic. Lyft said it will cover legal fees for any of its drivers facing legal action under the law. An anti-abortion group set up a snitch site to help find potential offenders, and tech-savvy folks—including TikTokkers—flooded it with bogus tips.