Tesla pays travel costs for employees in search of abortion providers

Tesla is covering travel prices for workers looking for out-of-state abortions, becoming a member of the ranks of major companies who’ve introduced the same policy to learn workers affected by new restrictions up to now few months.

The corporate mentioned in its 2021 “ Impression Report ” launched Friday that it expanded its Safety Internet program and health insurance choices last yr to incorporate “journey and lodging help for many who may need to hunt healthcare services which can be unavailable in their dwelling state.”

The automotive maker officially moved its company headquarters final yr from Silicon Valley to Texas, which handed a regulation banning abortions at roughly six weeks of pregnancy.

Different states have since introduced 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 aim at firms providing to help girls in search of abortions in states with much less restrictive legal guidelines.

Texas State Consultant Briscoe Cain, a Republican, has mentioned he would suggest legislation barring local governments in the state from doing business with any company that gives journey benefits for workers in search of abortions. Nationally, U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio introduced a invoice on Wednesday that will prohibit corporations from claiming tax deductions for such costs.

Tesla Inc. CEO Elon Musk didn't instantly reply to a request for remark, but he tweeted in September that he believes “authorities should not often impose its will upon the people, and, when doing so, should aspire to maximize their cumulative happiness. That said, I would prefer to stay out of politics.”