Citigroup will cover travel expenses for U.S. staff seeking an abortion

Citigroup Inc. is starting to cover travel costs for employees seeking abortion after several states have implemented or proposed a near-total ban on abortions.

“In response to changes in reproductive healthcare laws in certain states in the U.S., beginning in 2022 we provide travel benefits to facilitate access to adequate resources,” Citi wrote in a filing for its shareholders meetings scheduled April 26.

Axios reported that the policy will cover travel expenses, including airfare and lodging, for staff who travel out-of-state to obtain an abortion. This comes as several states enact laws restricting access to abortion and as the Supreme Court weighs a case that could overturn the precedents set by Roe v. Wade.

‘The move [Citi’s policy] comes after Texas Governor Greg Abbott (R) signed legislation last year that banned abortion after six weeks, making it one of the most restrictive abortion bans in the U.S.,” Axios noted. As I covered, Idaho lawmakers passed legislation this week mirroring the law in their state. The bill is headed to Republican Gov. Brad Little’s desk. 

In Texas, where Citigroup has more than 8500 employees, Governor Greg Abbott signed legislation last year that banned abortion after a fetal heartbeat is detected, which can occur as early as six weeks.