Starbucks to cover employees’ travel expenses for abortions, gender-affirming surgeries

Starbucks will cover eligible travel expenses for employees who seek abortions or gender-affirming procedures.

The leak of a draft U.S. Supreme Court ruling that would strike down the 1973 decision that legalized abortion has prompted a number of companies to reimburse workers for travel costs related to the procedure. Walmart and Disney have chosen to stay silent on the draft opinion.

Starbucks supports liberal causes like same-sex marriage and hiring refugees. That also applies to the rights of trans people. Since 2012 its health insurance has covered gender reassignment surgery and a wide range of gender-affirming procedures, like hair transplants or breast reductions.

According to NBC News, 154 anti-trans bills have been introduced in state legislatures, seeking to limit access to health care, sports, and education.

If abortion or gender-affirming procedures are not available within 100 miles of the employee's home, they will be eligible for reimbursement of travel costs. The benefit will also apply to dependents of Starbucks employees.

The company is still working on more details, such as when the benefit kicks in. There are 240,000 U.S. employees of the company.