Tesla will pay journey costs for staff in search of abortion services

Tesla is masking travel costs for employees looking for out-of-state abortions, joining the ranks of major firms who’ve launched an analogous coverage to benefit employees affected by new restrictions prior to now few months.

The company mentioned in its 2021 “ Impact Report ” launched Friday that it expanded its Security Internet program and medical health insurance offerings final year to incorporate “travel and lodging assist for individuals who might have to seek healthcare providers which might be unavailable in their home state.”

The automotive maker officially moved its company headquarters last 12 months from Silicon Valley to Texas, which passed 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 would abolish a nationwide right to an abortion.

In the meantime, Republican lawmakers are taking aim at firms offering to help women looking for abortions in states with much less restrictive legal guidelines.

Texas State Representative Briscoe Cain, a Republican, has said he would propose laws barring native governments in the state from doing business with any firm that provides journey advantages for workers in search of abortions. Nationally, U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio introduced a bill on Wednesday that might prohibit companies from claiming tax deductions for such costs.

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