Tesla can pay journey prices for staff seeking abortion providers

Tesla is covering journey prices for workers searching for out-of-state abortions, becoming a member of the ranks of main companies who’ve introduced a similar policy to profit staff affected by new restrictions prior to now few months.

The company stated in its 2021 “ Influence Report ” launched Friday that it expanded its Safety Internet program and medical insurance choices final yr to incorporate “journey and lodging assist for those who may have to seek healthcare services which can be unavailable in their residence state.”

The car maker formally moved its corporate headquarters last yr from Silicon Valley to Texas, which passed a regulation 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 may abolish a nationwide right to an abortion.

Meanwhile, Republican lawmakers are taking purpose at firms offering to assist women searching for abortions in states with much less restrictive legal guidelines.

Texas State Consultant Briscoe Cain, a Republican, has mentioned he would propose legislation barring local governments in the state from doing enterprise with any firm that gives travel benefits for employees searching for abortions. Nationally, U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio introduced a bill on Wednesday that may prohibit corporations from claiming tax deductions for such costs.

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