Citigroup attacked by Republicans for its promise to cover staff abortion costs Business

Citigroup has come under attack from Republicans in the US after promising to cover the costs of staff traveling for an abortion.

The bank has offered to pay flight and accommodation costs for staff working in states like Texas who may need to travel for abortions, due to a Republican-backed law banning women from doing so. about six weeks into a pregnancy.

Party politicians are calling for the lender to be stripped of its role as a supplier of credit cards to the US government.

In a letter to congressional officials, Rep. Mike Johnson and more than 40 other House members said, “By offering to pay its employees in their efforts to end the lives of unborn children, Citi has lost its privilege to do business with the House of Representatives, ”

The bank introduced the policy last month, joining other big companies including Apple, Hewlett Packard and Bumble in pledging to help cover travel costs for US staff who need to travel for an abortion following a change in the law.

In a message to investors earlier this month, the bank said, “In response to changes in reproductive health laws in some states in the United States, beginning in 2022, we are offering travel benefits to facilitate access to adequate resources”.

Citigroup is the only female-led bank on Wall Street after Scottish banker Jane Fraser took over in September 2020.

Since her arrival, the lender has revised its policies in Britain so that staff who lose a pregnancy at any time can take paid leave. Those going through menopause can work flexibly or take a sabbatical.

Earlier this year, he said he must lay off all unvaccinated US personnel in line with White House plans to ensure all government contractor personnel are vaccinated.

Citigroup did not respond to a request for comment.