Following the Supreme Court’s overturn of Roe v. Wade in a 5-to-4 vote on June 24, many beauty companies and executives have aired their views regarding the landmark decision that marked the end of a nearly 50-year constitutional right to abortion. The beauty industry, comprised of many female executives and a large community of women consumers, have been at the forefront of supporting reproductive rights.

Almost as soon as the decision was announced, social media pages by beauty brands lit up with opinions and views, while some companies sent letters directly to employees, or used LinkedIn to communicate their positions. Many companies made public statements with overarching messages of support for employees, while also encouraging kindness and sensitivity to those with different views. Many reaffirmed provisions for travel assistance and paid time off as needed for reproductive care.

Broaching such a sensitive matter at work, without taking sides or appearing too political, can be difficult. So how do companies handle such a sensitive topic in the office and with their staff? One can look at how The Estée Lauder Cos., Procter & Gamble, Macy’s, and L’Oréal USA issued press releases on the matter, with some stating they were expanding coverage to include procedures related to women’s reproductive health, while others said they were now covering the travel and lodging necessary to access reproductive healthcare to employees and their dependents enrolled in their medical plans. All were clear about the need to be sensitive all employee views. Company leaders and brand owners can also look to some of the industry’s leading beauty executives for how they handled messaging within their brands. In an effort to hear from women beauty executives directly, Beauty News reached out to members of CEW’s all-female board for their thoughts on the landmark decision that takes away a woman’s constitutional right to an abortion. Here, some of their thoughts.

Pamela Baxter, Operating Partner, MidOcean Partners

“As a female beauty executive and longtime member of the CEW board, I’m as horrified about not only Roe v. Wade, but the overarching message that the Supreme Court, in the world’s leading democracy, would so blatantly disregard a woman’s right to choose,” Pamela said.

 Elana Drell-Szyfer, CEO, ReVive Skincare

Inspired by a recent speech about the importance of being an emotional leader who expresses anger, joy, frustration, and happiness, Elana penned a letter to ReVive’s employees sharing her emotions of the momentous decision.

“We are not a political organization, and my message today is not about politics – rather about supporting people’s choices.  I am angry that in the Supreme Court decision, we lost a right. One that can affect a person’s ability to progress and succeed personally and professionally. One that could hold them back from their dreams,” she wrote. Her letter continued that she is struck by how far women still have to go, citing the pay gap in the beauty industry. “I have three daughters. I am afraid for them and for what this means for their world and for their futures,” her note continued. “My intention is to not offend anyone. I wanted to share my feelings with you. I want to acknowledge that when rights start to be taken away from people, they can serve as precedents for more injustices. It was important for me to acknowledge these feelings to all of you because I recognize that many of you may be feeling similarly about today’s news. I hope that you have an opportunity this weekend to rest, reflect and do something that allows you to feel positive and hopeful.”

Esi Eggleston Bracey, President, Unilever U.S.; CEO, Personal Care North America

Esi posted her thoughts on last month’s Supreme Court ruling on LinkedIn, calling the decision to overrule Roe v. Wade a “monumental setback for women’s rights and reproductive rights of all people. In response, Unilever United States is joining over one hundred other businesses in the Don’t Ban Equality coalition. We are adding our voice to stand for policies that promote access to quality healthcare, independence, and the ability to fully succeed in the workplace. Unilever is inviting and encouraging other businesses to join the Don’t Ban Equality statement. We are also doing what we can to protect our employees’ rights. We are committed to providing our employees with comprehensive reproductive healthcare benefits, and we cover travel costs for employees and dependents if care is no longer available in their home states in the U.S,” Esi’s message said.

Ellen L. Friedman, Executive Vice President, RPG 

“While, it is hard for many of us to comprehend that we are having these conversations, they are happening, and we cannot remain quiet.  As we craft our policy at RPG, being mindful of all of our employees with unique viewpoints, we will always provide resources and time for reproductive choices. Our recommendation for smaller companies is to open the conversation and make employees feel that there is a place and path for support around this issue with no judgment. Sometimes leaders confuse this issue with having an opinion – the question is not what you believe personally, but only that women have the freedom to make their own decisions.”

Liz Kaplow, Founder and CEO, Kaplow Communications

“We are saddened by the recent Supreme Court ruling. Kaplow has and always will support reproductive health rights and access to care. As a female-founded and female-led agency, we have a long history of championing the personal decisions of women and are committed to continuing to advocate for our partners, employees, and women everywhere to ensure equal access and right to care,” Liz said.

Flynn Matthews, Google’s Head of Global PCG Analytics, Insights and Measurement

Flynn noted that Google response reflects the moves of many other companies ensuring employees have access to the same benefits across the U.S. In a letter sent to employees by Google’s Chief People Officer Fiona Cicconi, Fiona called the decision a “profound change for the country that deeply affects so many of us, especially women.” Acknowledging that everyone will respond in their own way, she urged co-workers to be mindful of others’ feelings and treat each other with respect.

“We will keep working to make information on reproductive healthcare accessible across our products and continue our work to protect user privacy. To support Googlers and their dependents, our U.S. benefits plan and health insurance covers out-of-state medical procedures that are not available where an employee lives and works. Googlers can also apply for relocation without justification, and those overseeing this process will be aware of the situation.” Google’s relocation policy had been in place prior to the ruling.

Lisa Marie Ringus, Executive Vice President, Global Client Strategy and Growth at 24 Seven

Noting The Supreme Court’s ruling to overturn Roe v. Wade has “shaken us all,” said Lisa, adding that her company recognized the immediate effect the ruling has on women in the workforce and so many Americans and their families. “As a female-founded company, our commitment to the well-being of our employees, their health and safety, and providing equitable access to affordable health care will always be a top priority. We are in the process of evaluating our options as an organization and are committed to supporting our employees as we evolve expanded policy to address this ruling and actions we’ll review against future rulings,” Lisa said.

Jill Scalamandre, CEW Chairwoman, CEO Beekman 1802

“As a company that chooses to be Kind, Beekman 1802 believes in the power of choice. And we support their rights to make their reproductive choices. We will provide travel assistance and paid time off to access critical reproductive care to those who cannot access it because of this ruling,” Jill said.

Nancy Twine, Founder, CEO and Chairwoman of the Board, Briogeo

“The wellbeing of our team at Briogeo will always be a focus and priority. We are taking steps to enhance our policies around reproductive health decisions and will be extending our policies to include coverage for travel-related expenses in cases where women must travel from their home state for care,” said Nancy.