Walmart outlines abortion coverage policy to employees

Bentonville-based Walmart said Friday (Aug. 19) it would provide expanded coverage for abortion in the case of health risk of the mother, rape or incest, ectopic pregnancy, miscarriage or lack of fertility for the employees who have company heath insurance.

Donna Morris, chief people officer at Walmart, made the announcement in an internal memo circulated to employees Friday.

Walmart CEO Doug McMillon was recently asked about Walmart’s stance on providing coverage of abortion following the U.S. Supreme Court’s recent repeal of Roe vs. Wade. He said the company was in the process of reviewing the policy and would have a decision by the open enrollment period for insurance in September.

Walmart is the nation’s largest employer with 1.6 million workers across the U.S. Walmart said it will also provide coverage related to travel expenses for employees having to go more than 100 miles to get a procedure.

Arkansas banned abortions in the retailer’s home state after the U.S. Supreme Court decision in June. Under Arkansas law, abortions resulting from rape or incest are not allowed, but Walmart’s policy will cover the procedure in states where that exception is allowed, such as Kansas.