LYFT AND UBER WILL PAY LEGAL FEES IF DRIVERS ARE SUED UNDER TEXAS ABORTION LAW
After the new abortion law in Texas, SB 8, went into effect on Sept. 1, Uber and Lyft executives announced that they would cover all legal fees for their drivers at risk.
SB 8 allows citizens to sue anyone they believe had an abortion after six weeks of pregnancy and those who aid a person getting an abortion. For example, suppose an Uber driver picks a woman up and drives her to the abortion clinic. In that case, they could legally be held responsible.
“Drivers are never responsible for monitoring where their riders go or why,” said Lyft in a release. “This law is incompatible with people’s basic rights to privacy, our community guidelines, the spirit of rideshare, and our values as a company.” Zimmer also said Lyft also plans to donate $1 million Planned.
Uber is also stepping up to the plate to support its drivers. CEO Dara Khosrowshahi responded with a quoted tweet, “Right on @logangreen- drivers shouldn’t be put at risk for getting people where they want to go. Team @Uber is in too and will cover legal fees in the same way. Thanks for the push.”
Since the bill has been in effect, the Justice Department is suing Texas for its “unconstitutional” law. “The act is clearly unconstitutional under longstanding Supreme Court precedent,” Attorney General Merrick Garland said during a press conference announcing the lawsuit.
But for now, Planned Parenthood has listed on their website that they would be helping individuals seek out-of-state assistance if the clinic cannot provide them abortion services. “We can determine if you are within the new legal limit to provide care under this law. If you are not, and we cannot provide abortion care for you in our health center, we can still help connect you with resources to obtain out-of-state care, including financial assistance.”
Those needing assistance can also visit www.iNeedanA.com to learn more about your option
