Tesla will pay travel prices for workers in search of abortion services

Tesla is protecting travel costs for employees seeking out-of-state abortions, joining the ranks of main firms who’ve launched an analogous policy to benefit staff affected by new restrictions in the past few months.

The company stated in its 2021 “ Impact Report ” released Friday that it expanded its Security Net program and medical insurance offerings final yr to include “journey and lodging support for many who may have to hunt healthcare companies which might be unavailable in their home state.”

The automotive maker formally moved its corporate headquarters final year from Silicon Valley to Texas, which passed a legislation banning abortions at roughly six weeks of pregnancy.

Different states have since launched new restrictions, and a political firestorm was set off this week with the leaked draft of a Supreme Court docket opinion that might abolish a nationwide proper to an abortion.

Meanwhile, Republican lawmakers are taking goal at corporations offering to help ladies seeking abortions in states with less restrictive legal guidelines.

Texas State Consultant Briscoe Cain, a Republican, has stated he would propose laws barring native governments within the state from doing enterprise with any company that provides travel advantages for employees looking for abortions. Nationally, U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio launched a bill on Wednesday that would prohibit companies from claiming tax deductions for such costs.

Tesla Inc. CEO Elon Musk did not immediately respond to a request for remark, however he tweeted in September that he believes “government should hardly ever impose its will upon the folks, and, when doing so, should aspire to maximise their cumulative happiness. That stated, I would prefer to remain out of politics.”