Tesla pays travel prices for staff searching for abortion services

Tesla is overlaying travel costs for workers in search of out-of-state abortions, becoming a member of the ranks of major firms who’ve introduced an analogous coverage to benefit employees affected by new restrictions prior to now few months.

The corporate stated in its 2021 “ Influence Report ” released Friday that it expanded its Security Net program and health insurance offerings last year to incorporate “travel and lodging support for those who may need to seek healthcare services that are unavailable in their residence state.”

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

Other 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 might abolish a nationwide right to an abortion.

Meanwhile, Republican lawmakers are taking goal at companies providing to help women looking for abortions in states with less restrictive laws.

Texas State Consultant Briscoe Cain, a Republican, has said he would propose legislation barring local governments within the state from doing enterprise with any firm that gives travel advantages 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 costs.

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