Woodside's portfolio has expanded massively since the acquisition of BHP's oil and gas business. The company now has thousands of employees near the US Gulf of Mexico and elsewhere.

However, the recent decision by the hard-right conservative US Supreme Court to overturn Roe V. Wade last week has meant many women in Woodside's workforce in the US will not be able to access healthcare services for abortions.

The company's US headquarters is located in Texas where clinics have now halted abortions after the state reversed access to medical procedures and medication.  

In an email seen by Energy News, CEO Meg O'Neill told her US workers she would advocate for equality and even fly workers out of state to ensure they had access to proper healthcare.

"After 50 years of choice, this is a clear restriction of women's reproductive rights and medical privacy," O'Neill wrote.

"We understand many of you may be struggling with the potential impact of this decision. I want to assure you that at Woodside, we will always prioritise and support your seeking medical care for yourself and your family members, as well as respect your individual choices."

Woodside is now looking to provide travel benefits for female workers and their families to access medical services.

"We are doing what we can based on the law as it stands at this time. We will continue to reevaluate the legal landscape and update our plans as this evolves," O'Neill said.

New Mexico is expected to remain a "haven state" where abortions will remain legal and accessible.

The nearest clinic is a 12-hour drive from Houston and a 10-hour drive from Dallas.

O'Neill said in her email that all employees were eligible for sick leave.

"Sick leave can be used when seeking medical care or recuperating from a medical procedure that does not rise to the level of needing short-term disability," she wrote.

"You can use sick leave without fear of retaliation, and in our culture of trust, individuals do not need to provide a reason."