Starbucks Will Cover Abortion Or Gender Surgery Travel Expenses For Eligible Employees

Starbucks announced plans Monday to cover the travel expenses for eligible employees seeking abortion or gender-affirming procedures out of state amid growing concerns the Supreme Court will overturn Roe v. Wade.

The coffee chain said that eligible employees enrolled in the company’s health plan can be reimbursed for their travel expenses for access to abortion or gender-affirming care if those services are not available within 100 miles of the worker’s home.

Dependents of Starbucks’ employees that are enrolled in the healthcare plan will also be covered for travel expenses if they need services.

“We consistently listen to and collaborate with our partners to evolve our benefits based on their different benefits needs and preferences,” the company said in a statement.

Sara Kelly, acting executive vice president of partner resources at Starbucks, sent out a letter to employees addressing the company’s response to the leaked Supreme Court draft that suggests Roe v. Wade will be overturned.

“Like many of you, I’m deeply concerned by the draft Supreme Court opinion related to the constitutional right to abortion that was first established by Roe v. Wade,” Kelly wrote.

“I know this is weighing on many of you, so let me be clear upfront – regardless of what the Supreme Court ends up deciding, we will always ensure our partners have access to quality healthcare.”

Kelly went on to insist the company was dedicated to providing employees with resources to seek the medical attention they require. “When actions impact your access to healthcare, we will work on a way to make sure you feel supported,” Kelly added.

Starbucks has not announced when it will begin reimbursing employees for abortion and gender-affirming care travel expenses, but Kelly suggested the benefit will be available in the near future.

“Our Benefits team is working on the specifics and timing of our benefit expansion, and we look forward to sharing more updates soon,” Kelly said.