Tesla can pay journey prices for workers in search of abortion providers

Tesla is overlaying travel prices for workers seeking out-of-state abortions, joining the ranks of main firms who’ve introduced the same policy to learn employees affected by new restrictions prior to now few months.

The company said in its 2021 “ Influence Report ” launched Friday that it expanded its Security Internet program and medical health insurance offerings final yr to include “journey and lodging support for many who may need to seek healthcare services which might be unavailable of their residence state.”

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

In the meantime, Republican lawmakers are taking intention at firms offering to help women seeking abortions in states with much less restrictive laws.

Texas State Representative Briscoe Cain, a Republican, has mentioned he would suggest laws barring native governments in the state from doing business with any firm that gives journey advantages for employees looking for abortions. Nationally, U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio launched a bill on Wednesday that may prohibit companies from claiming tax deductions for such costs.

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