Over 400 TV Creators Demand Netflix, Disney Provide Safety Protocols in Anti-Abortion States

Over 400 television creators and showrunners sent a letter Thursday to top-level executives at Netflix, Disney, Warner Bros. Discovery, NBC Universal, Apple, and other companies demanding specific protocols to protect pregnant employees in states where abortion is banned, Variety reports.

The letter is signed by Shonda Rhimes, Issa Rae, Natasha Lyonne, Ava DuVernay, Vanessa Bayer, Chelsea Handler, Mindy Kaling, and more stars.

The group is demanding that media companies outline specific protections for employees working in states that have outlawed abortion after the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade. They also demand protocols for medical care for "ectopic pregnancies and other pregnancy complications that require medical treatment," as well as "indemnification and defense against liability, for any member of a production who facilitates ... protocols or provides ... policy information and guidelines to an employee seeking an abortion."

Finally, the letter asks that the companies "Pledge to discontinue all political donations to anti-abortion candidates and political action committees immediately."

"It is unacceptable to ask any person to choose between their human rights and their employment," the letter states.

The signatories have demanded written responses from the companies within 10 days. However, the letter does not state what will happen if the companies don't comply with the demands.

Deena ElGenaidi's writing has been featured in Nylon, MTV News, Insider, The AV Club, and more. You can follow her on Twitter @deenaelg.