In light of recent legal challenges, access to abortion and reproductive health care in Utah faces an uncertain future one year after the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade. As women entrepreneurs and their small businesses are crucial to Utah’s economy, we must consider the business impact of restrictions on reproductive rights.
Access to comprehensive reproductive health care is crucial for women’s entrepreneurial success as it allows them to control their fertility and better plan their personal and professional lives. It directly influences their ability to commit to a business venture without unplanned interruptions, thus enhancing economic productivity and growth.
It is also crucial to mention that there is an urgent need for conversation around safe and affordable child care. This is just as important as reproductive health care in empowering women’s entrepreneurship, since accessibility to cost-effective child care can significantly enhance a woman’s ability to balance business and familial responsibilities. The same argument holds true for the employees of small business owners who also need access to reproductive health care and child care to succeed. Gender inequity in the business world remains a persistent problem, and it is furthered by a lack of access to these resources.
I urge policymakers to understand that reproductive health care access is not just a personal matter but a significant economic issue. According to a new Small Business Majority poll, 57% of women small business owners view abortion care as an important benefit to attaining financial security, while 89% believe that child care access is essential. It’s clear that Utah must uphold a women’s right to make her own decisions and provide the child care support necessary for women entrepreneurs to continue driving job creation and economic growth in our state.
Cheyenne Smith, Salt Lake City