Those working for rideshare companies across Texas and surrounds are now protected under new driver defense fund.

Rideshare companies are set to cover legal costs for drivers who are sued under a controversial Texas anti-abortion law.

Lyft and Uber announced they’ll take responsibility for any form of punishment drivers encounter under a new rule which threatens drivers for taking passengers where they need to go.

The rule specifically focuses on those driving female passengers to medical clinics for pregnancy-termination purposes.

Both transportation services believe passengers are entitled to not disclosing their reasons for travel, especially those exercising their right to choose and access the healthcare they need.

A passenger’s destination is not a driver’s responsibility

Lyft also says a passenger’s reason for travel is not a driver’s responsibility.

“Imagine being a driver and not knowing if you are breaking the law by giving someone a ride,” Lyft co-founders Logan and John say.

“[Also] imagine being a pregnant woman trying to get to a healthcare appointment and not knowing if your driver will cancel on you for fear of breaking the law.”

In response to the mandate, Lyft has created a Driver Legal Defense Fund to cover 100 percent of legal fees sued under the SB8 rule.

Additionally, Lyft is donating $1 million to Planned Parenthood to help ensure that transportation is never a barrier to healthcare access.

Butting heads with Texas

Texas’ new law, signed this week, prohibits abortions after six weeks of pregnancy

The law also empowers private citizens across the country to sue anyone for aiding abortions past that six-week mark, that includes medical clinics and those who drive women to them.

The announcements from Uber and Lyft come after Bumble and Tinder announced the creation of a relief fund for women seeking abortions.

Written by Rebecca Borg