Austin-based Tesla to cover travel costs for workers seeking abortions

Austin-based automaker Tesla is covering travel costs for employees seeking out-of-state abortions, joining the ranks of major companies that have introduced a similar policy in the wake of new restrictions that Texas and some other states have implemented in the past few months.

The company said in its 2021 "Impact Report" released Friday that it expanded its Safety Net program and health insurance offerings last year to include "travel and lodging support for those who may need to seek healthcare services that are unavailable in their home state."

The automaker officially moved its corporate headquarters last year from Silicon Valley to Austin. Texas lawmakers last year passed a law banning abortions at roughly six weeks of pregnancy.

Other states have since introduced new restrictions, and a political firestorm was set off this week with the leaked draft of a U.S. Supreme Court opinion that could abolish a nationwide right to an abortion.

https://www.statesman.com/story/business/2022/05/06/tesla-cover-travel-costs-workers-seeking-abortions-austin-health-roe-v-wade/9675285002/