Abortion: Walmart extends medical coverage for its employees

Walmart, the country's largest private employer, will expand medical coverage for its employees who have abortions.

© Mario Anzuoni/REUTERS

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Retail giant Walmart, the country's largest private employer, will expand medical coverage for female employees who wish to have an abortion.

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With our correspondent in Washington,

Walmart has more than 1.5 million employees on US soil, 53% of whom are women.

These women will therefore be able to benefit from these new provisions concerning abortion offered by the company wherever they reside in the country, even in states

.

The company will cover medical costs if the mother's health is in danger, or in the event of rape and incest.

Support also takes place in the event of miscarriage, low viability of the fetus or ectopic pregnancy.

Travel expenses paid for long journeys

In addition, Walmart will pay the travel expenses of its employees who would have to travel more than 150 km from their residence to receive this medical care.

The retail giant is not the first company to make such a decision.

, has moved to support those of its employees who want abortions, including the 80,000 in Florida, a state that has passed tougher legislation since the Supreme Court ruling.

Walmart is headquartered in Arkansas, a state that strictly prohibits abortion, even in cases of rape or incest.

Traditionally, the company funded more election campaigns for Republican candidates, but in the polarized political climate of recent years, it has begun to rebalance its support.

►Also read: Opiate crisis in the United States: Walmart, Walgreens and CVS ordered to pay compensation

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• Employment and Labor

• Womens rights