Tesla can pay journey prices for employees looking for abortion providers

Tesla is protecting travel costs for workers in search of out-of-state abortions, becoming a member of the ranks of major companies who’ve introduced an identical policy to learn staff affected by new restrictions up to now few months.

The corporate stated in its 2021 “ Affect Report ” launched Friday that it expanded its Safety Net program and medical insurance choices last yr to incorporate “travel and lodging support for individuals who may have to seek healthcare providers that are unavailable in their residence state.”

The automotive maker officially moved its corporate headquarters last yr from Silicon Valley to Texas, which passed a law 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 Courtroom opinion that may abolish a nationwide right to an abortion.

Meanwhile, Republican lawmakers are taking aim at companies offering to help women in search of abortions in states with less restrictive legal guidelines.

Texas State Consultant Briscoe Cain, a Republican, has said he would suggest legislation barring local governments within the state from doing business with any company that provides journey advantages for employees seeking 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 instantly respond to a request for remark, however 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 mentioned, I would prefer to remain out of politics.”