Tensions Rise At Bethesda As Employees Pressure Company On Abortion Measures

However, many employees were disappointed at how the statement was phrased. “Lifestyle” is a word that many queer people find delegitimizing, as it suggests that a person’s gender identity or sexuality is merely a matter of choice. Multiple queer employees ZeniMax studios expressed their frustration that their employer had framed their struggles as a personal choice, prompting ZeniMax COO Jamie Leder to send an apology email about the word choice the very same day. (Kotaku was able to obtain a copy of his emails.) “I’d like to apologize for any offense caused by the earlier communication and to reassure you that we will continue to protect our employee options and access to critical healthcare as we continue forward,” the email said.

In spite of Leder’s comments intended to “reassure” employees about the company’s stance on reproductive healthcare, employees remain frustrated by what they see as an unwillingness to be clear and specific in its commitments. The women’s employee resource group had previously called on ZeniMax to codify contraceptive access via the company’s health plans, ensure non-discrimination against pregnant employees, negotiate relocation for employees in affected states such as Texas, and accommodate staff according to their local state laws. Three of the four requests were not addressed by the email.

An earlier, seperate email sent by Leder indicated that the company was trying to ”have ongoing discussions with our US healthcare provider about enhancing our benefits for those who may have to travel for medical services”, but did not elaborate on specific provisions for affected employees. Kotaku reached out to ask what specific steps the company would take to guarantee reproductive healthcare, but did not receive a response by the time of publication.

According to a current employee at Bethesda, most of the staff are supportive of abortion rights. However, some are dissatisfied as that support and concern for marginalized employees and how they will be affected by the Court’s decision doesn’t seem to be reflected by Bethesda and ZeniMax management. “We waited with bated breath on Friday for the studios to issue a statement as other studios beat us to the [punch] by several hours,” said the source.