After remaining largely silent on the issue for months, Walmart, the largest employer in the United States, is expanding abortion coverage for its employees. In June, a Supreme Court ruling removed a nationwide right to abortion.
In a memo sent to employees on Friday, the company says its health care plans would now cover abortion for employees “when there is a risk to the health of the mother, rape or incest, extra pregnancy -uterine, miscarriage or lack of fetal viability”.
The new policy will also provide “travel assistance” to workers and dependents covered by their health care plans so they can access services that are not available within 100 miles of their location. says Donna Morris, director of human resources of the retailer, in the memo.
Walmart employs nearly 1.6 million people in the United States. In Arkansas, where the company is based, abortion is prohibited in all circumstances unless the procedure is necessary to protect the life of the mother in the event of a medical emergency. There is no exception for rape or incest.
A Walmart spokesperson did not immediately respond to a request for comment on whether the company’s health plan — or travel assistance — will cover elective abortions.
Previously, the company’s benefits plan only covered abortion in cases “where the mother’s health would be at risk if the fetus were carried to term, the fetus could not survive the birthing process.” or if death would be imminent after birth,” according to a copy of the policy seen by The Associated Press, but not confirmed by Walmart.
Many companies — including Meta, American Express and Bank of America — have already announced they will cover employee travel expenses following the Supreme Court’s ruling overturning Roe v. wade. However. Dozens of other companies and organizations, which represent some of the most powerful businesses in the country, nevertheless continued to remain silent.