Large Indiana employers Eli Lilly and Cummins speak out about the state’s new restrictive abortion law

An Eli Lilly and Company pharmaceutical manufacturing plant is pictured at 50 ImClone Drive in Branchburg, New Jersey, March 5, 2021.

Eli Lilly, one of the biggest employers in Indiana, said that the state's new abortion law will cause it to move away from its home.

In a statement on Saturday, Lilly said that it recognizes abortion as a divisive and deeply personal issue with no clear consensus among the citizens of Indiana.

Eli Lilly said that Indiana has chosen to quickly adopt one of the most restrictive anti-abortion laws in the United States. Lilly's ability to attract diverse scientific, engineering and business talent from around the world will be hampered by this law. We will have to plan for more employment growth outside of our home state.

The Indiana Legislature on Friday became the first in the nation to restrict access to abortion. The state was one of the first to debate tighter abortion laws after the Supreme Court ruled in favor of abortion rights.

Lilly has been based in Indianapolis for more than a century.

Cummins, an engine manufacturing company that employs about 10,000 people in Indiana, spoke out against the new law over the weekend.

A company spokesman said that the right to make reproductive health decisions ensures that women have the same opportunity as others to participate fully in the workforce.

Provisions in the law that conflict with this impede our ability to attract and retain top talent and influence our decisions as we continue to grow our footprint with a focus on selecting welcoming and inclusive environments.

A growing number of companies are offering their employees resources for reproductive care in states where restrictions have been put into place.

Eli Lilly has expanded its employee health plan coverage to include travel for reproductive services but that may not be enough for some current and potential employees.

The abortion ban in Indiana is expected to take effect in September. There are exceptions, including for cases of rape or incest.

The administration of President Joe Biden condemns Indiana's decision. The White House Press Secretary said it was a sad step.

She said that it was another step by Republican legislators to take away women's reproductive rights and freedom and put personal health-care decisions in the hands of politicians.