Tesla can pay travel prices for workers searching for abortion providers

Tesla is covering travel costs for workers seeking out-of-state abortions, becoming a member of the ranks of major companies who’ve introduced the same policy to learn staff affected by new restrictions in the past few months.

The corporate stated in its 2021 “ Impact Report ” released Friday that it expanded its Security Internet program and medical health insurance offerings final 12 months to incorporate “journey and lodging support for those who might have to seek healthcare services which might be unavailable in their home state.”

The automobile maker formally moved its corporate headquarters last yr from Silicon Valley to Texas, which handed 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 will abolish a nationwide right to an abortion.

In the meantime, Republican lawmakers are taking aim at companies offering to assist ladies searching for abortions in states with less restrictive laws.

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

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