Tesla pays travel costs for workers searching for abortion services

Tesla is protecting travel costs for employees searching for out-of-state abortions, joining the ranks of major firms who’ve introduced a similar coverage to benefit employees affected by new restrictions in the past few months.

The company mentioned in its 2021 “ Influence Report ” launched Friday that it expanded its Safety Internet program and medical insurance choices final year to incorporate “journey and lodging help for individuals who might have to seek healthcare companies which can be unavailable of their house state.”

The automotive maker formally moved its corporate headquarters final 12 months from Silicon Valley to Texas, which passed a law banning abortions at roughly six weeks of being pregnant.

Other states have since introduced new restrictions, and a political firestorm was set off this week with the leaked draft of a Supreme Courtroom opinion that will abolish a nationwide proper to an abortion.

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

Texas State Consultant Briscoe Cain, a Republican, has mentioned he would propose legislation barring native governments within the state from doing business with any firm that provides travel benefits for workers looking for abortions. Nationally, U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio introduced a invoice on Wednesday that may prohibit companies from claiming tax deductions for such prices.

Tesla Inc. CEO Elon Musk did not immediately reply to a request for remark, but he tweeted in September that he believes “government ought to rarely impose its will upon the folks, and, when doing so, should aspire to maximize their cumulative happiness. That mentioned, I would favor to remain out of politics.”