Bank and financial services firm BNP Paribas has introduced a surrogacy assistance programme and enhanced its fertility benefits for its US staff.
The firm’s new surrogacy assistance programme is aimed at supporting and empowering US-based employees who are using surrogacy to start or expand their families. They are now eligible for surrogate related expenses and will be reimbursed for up to a maximum of $10,000 (£7,892) per eligible child.
In addition, BNP Paribas has enhanced its fertility benefits in order to recognise that fertility support and family-planning are high priorities for some of its workforce. Its medical plans have been updated to include coverage for social preservation, elective egg freezing and storage with no medical condition requirement, embryo or egg retrieval and accumulation that no longer requiring the depletion of previously stored embryos, and fertility preservation and storage of embryos increasing from 12 to 24 months.
According to the firm, it made these additions to its US benefits programme as part of its recognition that the journey of parenthood can take many paths and the importance of the wellbeing and happiness of all of its employees. By offering these, it hopes to help alleviate some of the challenges that can arise during this personal journey that is unique to everyone.
Claudine Gallagher, head of human resources for corporate and institutional banking (CIB) Americas at BNP Paribas, said: “Creating a robust benefits programme that is inclusive of the needs of our employees and their families is an important component of how we invest in our people. To support our employees their families, I am excited to announce the launch of our surrogacy assistance programme and enhancements to our fertility benefits. These new announcements are a symbol of our commitment towards creating an inclusive and supportive workplace for all employees.”
