If you remain updated about international affairs, you will know that on June 24th, 2022, the Supreme Court made the decision to overturn Roe vs. Wade. This subsequently eradicated the constitutional right to abortion established in the United States in 1973. Well, becoming a mother should always be a choice, don’t you think? So there should always be a provision for abortion when the mother feels like she is not ready to have a child.
Needless to say, this has become a significant international affair all over the world. In fact, developers and publishers have responded to the news across the gaming industry. Companies like Microsoft, Sony, Bungie, and others have announced their plans to help their employees seek abortions. The employees might be in any state; the companies will extend their support no matter what.
One of the famous gaming companies, Activision Blizzard, will also be staging a walkout later this month. This is to protest the company’s lack of response and support to the US Supreme Court’s decision to overrule Roe vs. Wade. So would you like to know more about their act of protest? Stay with us until the end, as we will share some of the significant aspects of the issue here. Let us check out!
What was The Verdict in Roe vs. Wade?
Needless to say, Roe vs. Wade was a landmark decision of the U.S Supreme Court. Here the court ruled that the Constitution of the United States conferred the right to choose to have an abortion. Therefore, the decision struck down many federal and state abortion laws. In fact, it also fueled an ongoing debate about whether abortion is legal or not. This decision also shaped the debate about the Supreme Court’s methods in this matter.
So, the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v Wade in a significant curtailment of women’s rights. This was a landmark 1973 decision that gave women in America the right to have an abortion before the fetus is viable outside the womb. However, it should also be before the 24-28 week mark.
The ruling was expected for some weeks now after a draft opinion leaked in early May, sending shock waves through the country and sparking protests. So currently, the rule is Abortion rights which the government has made available to women for over two generations — will now be determined by individual States.
This is a sorrowful day for billions of women in America who have lost a fundamental constitutional right. In fact, many liberal justices have also commented that this decision “breaches a core rule-of-law principle, designed to promote constancy in the law.
Moreover, it also jeopardizes things like sex, intimacy, and marriage. Also, it undermines the court’s legitimacy. In addition, US President Joe Biden called this decision a “tragic error.” The Court has done something it has done never before. So naturally, the women in America are no longer in a position to choose to continue with their pregnancy.
What are The Companies Reaction To The Supreme Court’s Decision?
Since you are reading this article, it is evident that you are equally disturbed by this decision to overrule Roe vs. Wade. So you might be curious to know how all the companies are reacting to it and what they are doing for their employees. Let us share with you the details. As we earlier mentioned, the name of some of the top companies like Microsoft, Sony, and others, have already announced their decision to support their employees in seeking abortions.
However, some companies have yet to comment on the overturning of Roe vs. Wade, let alone if and how they will support their staff during this time. In fact, one of the biggest gaming devs to remain silent is Activision Blizzard.
So in response to their workplace’s lack of action on the issue, the ABK Workers Alliance will be staging a walkout. The devs announced on Twitter, with the initial statement announcing their intentions. “In light of the recent attacks on the civil liberties of our employees, the employee-led Committee Against Sex and Gender Discrimination has scheduled a walk-out action on July 21, 2022.” Yes, finally, they are taking a step to show their support. The fans will finally be at peace.
What are The ABK Workers Alliance Saying Regarding Their Move About The Walkout?
Many of you who are fans of Blizzard Activision were probably wondering why they were not responding to this significant affair. Well, there is finally good news for you. So the ABK Workers Alliance finally responded that this move was motivated by their claim the “company’s current healthcare policies do not adequately protect the workers of ABK.”
In fact, they went on to reveal that employees had previously taken up the issue with management, but their concerns were not heard. As per the workers, in the past, they have attempted to work with management to address problems of this nature. However, over the past year, their concerns were dismissed. Therefore, demonstrations of this level have been proven to be the most effective solution to this problem.
Therefore, this walkout is simply the next step in their continued fight to end gender inequality in their workplace. The management needs to take further measures and actions to ensure the safety of women and non-binary workers. At the same time, those who belong to the LGBTQ community should be safe and have support from the company.
What is The Current Status of Affairs at Activision Blizzard?
As you know, the employees are currently in an agitated state. This is because their management is not taking measures to ensure their safety at the workplace. So currently, various reports and lawsuits have come to light that addresses harassment and sexual misconduct issues at the company. This includes both past and present cases. Before this, the employees were probably afraid to come up with complaints due to which cases remained under cover. However, this time, they have raised their voices.
In fact, the employees have been calling for Activision to be held responsible for the unsafe work environment. For so long, the management has not taken any steps to resolve the issue. Therefore, this upcoming protest marks the fifth time Activision employees have walked out, raising their voices against gender inequality and discrimination at their workplace. They hope that this time, the management will pay attention to their demands and take action.
Ending Note
So as we conclude, we can say that this Roe vs. Wade case has brought different people from different parts of the world together. Therefore, they are extending their support to show that they are beside the women of the United States and strongly condemn this.
However, Activision Blizzard should also now take some action to ensure the safety of its employees in their workplace. Otherwise, this can lead to their employees resigning from their posts.
Also read: How The Craze of Snakes, Ladders and Ludo Took Over The Internet