Walmart will expand abortion travel coverage for employees not near abortion clinics

Walmart, who are the largest private employer in the United States have confirmed in an internal memo that they are expanding their travel and abortion cover for employees.

The memo, which was obtained by Reuters, was sent to Walmart’s 1.6 million employees and confirmed that their healthcare plans will now include abortion “when there is a health risk to the mother, rape or incest, ectopic pregnancy, miscarriage or lack of fetal viability.”

The memo was issued by Donna Morris, who is the Walmart’s Company Chief People Officer. Morris went on to say that Walmart will also “expand [its] travel coverage” ostensibly so that employees can obtain abortions “when they are not available within 100 miles of their location.”

Walmart also confirmed the launch of a new service for employees that is “focused on fertility and family support,” including in vitro fertilization, egg freezing, “surrogacy support” along with an extra $15,000 in “financial support for adoptions.”

Walmart confirmed the changes were made after “listening to our associates about what’s important to them.” The memo didn’t confirm whether the benefits would be available for all employees. Some employees only work part-time and are not eligible for all benefits offered.

Walmart’s headquarters are in Bentonville, Arkansas, where abortion is banned, except in cases where the life of the mother in at risk.

Many other companies have followed the same path as Walmart. Microsoft, Apple, Meta and Disney pledged to provide support and financial support for their employees, and in some situations, dependents too, when they have to travel out of state to get an abortion.

Walmart’s announcement is nearly two months after the US Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, meaning that US citizens no longer have a federal constitutional right to an abortion. Many states have also activated “trigger laws,” which in some cases can several restrict access to an abortion.