No matter how much money or rage we throw at the issue, the advertising industry can't undo the SCOTUS ruling that so violently struck down Roe v. Wade. It's a reality that for so many of us hurts beyond measure. But as a privately held, multi-billion dollar industry that CAN influence nearly everything else in our culture, from social trends to political conversations, we DO have the power to set our own policies and standards to protect the human rights—and bodily autonomy—of anyone within our workforces who has the potential to become pregnant. As we've seen with other movements toward greater equity and inclusion, what starts in advertising often spreads throughout the rest of society. We have the mic, we have the influence, and we have the mandate. Let's band together and pledge to protect abortion access for all. 1) Stand up as a company for reproductive rights by examining the positions and endorsements of your partners. If you have clients who are ethically misaligned, or their employee policies make it hard for women to thrive, make a plan to divest your interests. If the ad networks or other partners you work with (even your insurance providers!) support anti-abortion political candidates or pundits, look into spending your clients’ dollars elsewhere. 2) Commit to supporting nonprofit organizations (especially local, grassroots groups) that work to provide safe abortion access. There are a variety of different ways to get involved, whether through corporate donations, matching employee gifts, volunteer hours, pro-bono work, or any other paths your team can come up with—so choose what feels right for your team. Give these orgs the mic on your social channels, too, so that they can share their needs and expertise directly. 3) Urge your staff to get involved in the political process. Figure out ways to educate them on the intersectional issues (racial justice, economic justice, LGBTQIA+ rights, religious freedoms) that are on the ballots in every single state where you operate. We've seen over the past 5+ years that local elections have far more influence than most people believe. Work toward making Election Days—for primaries, runoffs, and general elections–paid days off so that all employees can make their voices heard, and even volunteer if they choose. 4) If multiple healthcare policies are available to your agency, re-examine your current coverage to ensure it includes all aspects of reproductive and sexual healthcare: preventative visits, contraception, infertility, gender affirmation/reassignment, mental health services—and yes, pregnancy termination. If your policies don't provide coverage in all of these areas, reach out to your benefits representative to see if you can find other options that are more comprehensive. While insurance coverage may not override state law, it can help when healthcare travel is covered. Which brings us to Number 5. 5) Join companies like Levi’s, Bumble, and Citigroup who are offering to cover the cost of travel and abortion care for employees if it becomes illegal where they live. But don't just send a memo—codify it. Build it into your employee handbook. Define concrete steps for how to use this policy, including who to contact within the agency, and resources for finding the necessary services. And make sure to spend ample time figuring out how to ensure privacy and legal protection, too. -- If enough agencies pledge to begin working on these 5 steps, we can start to change the tides. It won't all happen at once, and there will be barriers along the way. But when we pull funding from partners who limit our rights... when we uplift organizations fighting for equality... when we empower our staff to become active in the political process... when we ensure all employees have access to complete healthcare... when we go above and beyond to protect their bodily autonomy... ...we'll inspire others to do the same. We have the platform, the opportunity, and the responsibility. Let's make it count. --- As of July 21, the following agencies have taken the pledge: Edgar Allan Latshaw Marketing Germinate Creative Media Cause Add YOUR name now.