Tesla will pay travel prices for staff in search of abortion companies

Tesla is protecting travel costs for employees looking for out-of-state abortions, joining the ranks of main companies who’ve introduced a similar policy to benefit staff affected by new restrictions prior to now few months.

The company said in its 2021 “ Impact Report ” released Friday that it expanded its Security Net program and health insurance choices final year to incorporate “travel and lodging assist for individuals who may have to hunt healthcare services which might be unavailable in their house 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.

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 may abolish a nationwide proper to an abortion.

Meanwhile, Republican lawmakers are taking intention at firms offering to help ladies searching for abortions in states with much less restrictive legal guidelines.

Texas State Representative Briscoe Cain, a Republican, has mentioned he would propose legislation barring local governments within the state from doing enterprise with any company that gives journey benefits for workers in search of abortions. Nationally, U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio launched a invoice on Wednesday that might prohibit companies from claiming tax deductions for such costs.

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