Tesla can pay journey costs for staff looking for abortion providers

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

The company said in its 2021 “ Affect Report ” released Friday that it expanded its Security Internet program and health insurance offerings last year to incorporate “journey and lodging support for many who might have to hunt healthcare providers which are unavailable in their home state.”

The automobile maker formally moved its company headquarters final 12 months 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 Courtroom opinion that may abolish a nationwide proper to an abortion.

Meanwhile, Republican lawmakers are taking aim at companies offering to help girls looking for abortions in states with less restrictive laws.

Texas State Consultant Briscoe Cain, a Republican, has mentioned he would suggest laws barring local governments in the state from doing business with any company that provides journey advantages for employees searching for abortions. Nationally, U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio introduced a bill on Wednesday that may prohibit corporations from claiming tax deductions for such costs.

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