PlayStation studios, major publishers break silence on abortion rights [Updated]

Ted Price, CEO of Insomniac Games, told his employees last month that Sony wouldn't approve any statements about reproductive rights. Insomniac and other Sony studios have made statements in support of "reproductive freedom" in the wake of the Supreme Court's decision to overturn the long-standing precedent on abortion.

Insomniac said they are human beings who make games. Human rights include reproductive freedom and bodily independence.

By the afternoon, many of Sony's other North American game studios were starting to send out similar messages. Some of Sony's European studios have joined in with a statement of support.

According to the studio, reproductive freedom and bodily autonomy are essential to the health and wellbeing of everyone. We will support our employees in getting the care they need and want.

Travel and other support

Since California is likely to continue protecting abortion access via legislation, that bit about "actively support[ing]" employees may be less important for the Santa Monica-based company. For Sony studios in less abortion friendly states, the parent company has yet to publicly follow the lead of Microsoft, which committed in early May to fund out-of-state travel for employees that needed it to seek abortion.

Last month, Bungie offered strong public support for "reproductive choice". Today, Bungie updated its public statement on the issue and outlined its own travel-reimbursement program for any employee to use when they or a dependent can't get access to healthcare they need where they live. We will continue to stand up for reproductive choice and liberty.

In a statement provided to the press, the company reiterates its plans to offer expanded medical travel benefits for issues like reproductive health, gender-affirming treatment, transplant care, and any other medical care that is not available in a covered person.

Today is reproductive rights day and major game publishers are supporting the cause. The International Game Developers Association believes bodily autonomy and choice over one's own reproductive and healthcare matters are important to the organization's mission. In order to successfully manage their career and life, one needs to be in control of their own health issues.

Amid reported pressure from employees, Electronic Arts included the phrase "women's rights are human rights" in a Pride Month statement. Expansion of travel health benefits will soon be offered for eligible U.S. employees and their eligible dependents, according to a statement issued by the company on Friday.