Kevin Ali, CEO and board member, Organon.

I recently spent time in Washington, D.C., with policymakers from both sides of the aisle, during which we touched on the policy implications of maternal health and contraceptive and fertility access. We also talked about the direct link between women’s health and a healthy economy.

These conversations reinforced for me that these issues can be nonpartisan, and we can come together with a shared ambition to improve the lives of women, families and our society.

The Current State Of Women’s Healthcare

Given these shared ambitions, I believe we can work together to ensure women’s access to reproductive healthcare. This includes contraception and fertility, so women can choose if and when to start and grow their family. By increasing access to fertility planning and contraceptive options, more women can participate in the workforce, enabling economies to grow and thrive by becoming more inclusive.

Discussions around contraceptive access highlight a startling reality: In the U.S., “more than 19 million women of reproductive age” are estimated to live in a contraceptive desert, where there is a lack of access to a health center that offers a full range of contraceptive methods, according to Power to Decide. Contraceptive deserts can have significant health and economic impacts on a state, including:

• Workforce Participation: Limited access to contraception can affect women’s ability to participate in the workforce. Unintended pregnancies can disrupt education and career plans, which can limit women’s opportunities to pursue professional goals.

• Healthcare Inequities: Contraceptive deserts often disproportionately affect low-income communities and people of color, exacerbating existing health and economic inequities. This can lead to long-term economic disadvantages for these populations.

We’re also seeing momentum to expand access to fertility treatments like IVF. The economic impact of fertility costs is multifaceted, affecting both individual families and broader economies. For example:

• Economic Growth: Fertility rates influence long-term economic growth. Countries with low fertility rates may face challenges in sustaining economic growth due to a shrinking workforce.

• Healthcare Costs: Fertility treatments and associated healthcare costs can be substantial. These costs can burden families, impacting economic stability.

The takeaway? Improving access to reproductive healthcare can enhance economic growth by enabling women to make informed reproductive choices, leading to better health outcomes and increased economic participation.

Addressing Barriers To Care

Women face a number of challenges when accessing reproductive healthcare. Education, provider training and logistical obstacles, such as the need for multiple doctor visits, are all part of the issue. Solving these challenges requires a comprehensive approach.

The private sector can help address these challenges.

Enhance employee benefits and support programs.

One way the private sector can help is by offering comprehensive health benefits that include coverage for telehealth services, flexible scheduling for medical appointments and educational resources on reproductive health. This approach not only supports employees’ health needs but also fosters a more inclusive workplace, which could also enhance employee satisfaction and retention.

Support local health initiatives.

Federally qualified health centers (FQHC), for example, serve many marginalized communities and are well-positioned to address contraceptive deserts. However, many FQHCs lack resources that help them provide comprehensive contraceptive counseling and services. By bolstering these centers and supporting legislation that improves access to care, we can foster bipartisan solutions that meet women’s needs.

Businesses can contribute to community health by investing in local FQHCs through sponsorships, donations or volunteer efforts. By enhancing the resources available through a public-private partnership at these centers, companies can help ensure these communities receive the comprehensive health services they need, which can ultimately foster a healthier workforce and community.

Advocate for comprehensive health policies.

In 2022, the Dobbs decision shifted many reproductive and general health discussions to state levels, but this can create a patchwork of policies that leave some women vulnerable and create disparities in access. Business leaders can advocate for federal support to complete state-level efforts. I am pleased to see that nearly all states—47 as of December 2—have extended Medicaid postpartum coverage for 12 months, which can help ensure critical care and tangible benefits for both mothers and babies.

The private sector plays a crucial role by advocating for federal support that complements state-level efforts. By promoting policies that extend Medicaid coverage and improve access to essential services, companies can not only contribute to community well-being but also enhance their corporate social responsibility profile, fostering loyalty among employees and customers alike.

Driving Meaningful Change

The need to advocate for the health of women is not only an ethical imperative but also a pragmatic economic strategy. By investing in the health of women, we invest in families, communities and our economy at large. The bipartisan interest we are witnessing in Washington D.C. presents a unique opportunity to bridge divides and create meaningful change.

Together, we can build a healthier future for women—one that recognizes their central role in our society and invests in their well-being. This is an effort that requires collective commitment from all sides of the political spectrum. By working together, we can ensure every woman has access to the comprehensive healthcare they deserve.

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