Tesla can pay travel costs for staff in search of abortion services

Tesla is protecting journey costs for employees seeking out-of-state abortions, becoming a member of the ranks of major companies who’ve launched an identical policy to profit staff affected by new restrictions prior to now few months.

The corporate stated in its 2021 “ Influence Report ” launched Friday that it expanded its Safety Web program and health insurance choices last yr to incorporate “travel and lodging assist for individuals who might have to seek healthcare providers that are unavailable in their dwelling state.”

The car maker officially moved its corporate headquarters final yr from Silicon Valley to Texas, which handed a legislation banning abortions at roughly six weeks of being pregnant.

Different states have since launched new restrictions, and a political firestorm was set off this week with the leaked draft of a Supreme Court opinion that may abolish a nationwide proper to an abortion.

In the meantime, Republican lawmakers are taking purpose at companies providing to help ladies searching for abortions in states with much less restrictive legal guidelines.

Texas State Consultant Briscoe Cain, a Republican, has stated he would propose laws barring native governments within the state from doing enterprise with any firm that gives travel advantages for employees in search of abortions. Nationally, U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio introduced a bill on Wednesday that may prohibit firms from claiming tax deductions for such costs.

Tesla Inc. CEO Elon Musk didn't immediately reply to a request for remark, but he tweeted in September that he believes “authorities should hardly ever impose its will upon the people, and, when doing so, ought to aspire to maximise their cumulative happiness. That said, I would prefer to stay out of politics.”