Tesla pays journey costs for staff seeking abortion services

Tesla is overlaying travel costs for workers searching for out-of-state abortions, becoming a member of the ranks of main firms who’ve launched an analogous policy to learn employees affected by new restrictions previously few months.

The company mentioned in its 2021 “ Impression Report ” released Friday that it expanded its Safety Internet program and health insurance choices last year to incorporate “travel and lodging support for individuals who might have to seek healthcare providers that are unavailable of their dwelling 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.

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

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

Texas State Consultant Briscoe Cain, a Republican, has said he would suggest legislation barring native governments within the state from doing business with any firm that gives journey benefits for employees seeking abortions. Nationally, U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio launched a invoice on Wednesday that may prohibit companies from claiming tax deductions for such prices.

Tesla Inc. CEO Elon Musk didn't instantly reply to a request for comment, however he tweeted in September that he believes “government ought to not often impose its will upon the individuals, and, when doing so, should aspire to maximize their cumulative happiness. That mentioned, I would prefer to remain out of politics.”