Tesla will pay travel costs for workers searching for abortion services

Tesla is covering travel prices for employees in search of out-of-state abortions, joining the ranks of main companies who’ve introduced a similar policy to benefit staff affected by new restrictions previously few months.

The company mentioned in its 2021 “ Impact Report ” launched Friday that it expanded its Security Net program and medical insurance choices final yr to incorporate “journey and lodging help for individuals who may need to hunt healthcare services that are unavailable in their house state.”

The automotive maker formally moved its corporate headquarters last yr from Silicon Valley to Texas, which handed a law banning abortions at roughly six weeks of being pregnant.

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

In the meantime, Republican lawmakers are taking purpose at corporations offering to help women seeking abortions in states with less restrictive laws.

Texas State Representative Briscoe Cain, a Republican, has mentioned he would propose laws barring native governments in the state from doing business with any company that provides journey benefits for workers looking for abortions. Nationally, U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio launched a bill on Wednesday that might prohibit firms from claiming tax deductions for such costs.

Tesla Inc. CEO Elon Musk did not instantly reply to a request for comment, but he tweeted in September that he believes “government should not often impose its will upon the people, and, when doing so, should aspire to maximise their cumulative happiness. That mentioned, I would favor to remain out of politics.”