A hotel in Michigan is offering free stays and transport for women travelling to the state to have an abortion.
The Yale Hotel launched the offer following a spate of restrictive abortion laws that have been passed in conservative US states such as Ohio, Missouri, Georgia and Alabama, which voted for a near-total ban on terminations, including in cases of rape and incest.
The hotel’s manager Shelley O’Brian outlined its offering in a Facebook post, writing: “Dear sisters that live in Alabama, Ohio, Georgia, Arkansas, Missouri, or any of the other states that follow with similar laws restricting access, we cannot do anything about the way you are being treated in your home-state.
“But, if you can make it to Michigan, we will support you with several nights lodging and transportation to and from your appointment.”
The post has since garnered more than 4,200 likes and 2,800 shares, with thousands of people praising O’Brian for the initiative.
“Thank you for being brave enough to support a woman’s right to choose,” commented one person.
Another added: “Thank you for supporting women everywhere in such a strong, bold way!”
O’Brian also responded to anti-abortion activists who criticised her for the offer.
To one person, she wrote: “I cannot turn my back on my sisters who are struggling. I appreciate your contribution.
"If I had my way, abortion wouldn’t be necessary ... but for as long as it is, I will stand with my sisters.”
O’Brian reiterated her views in a statement to CNN, saying: “Women should have autonomy over their own bodies. If we do not have control over our own bodies, then this is not a free world.”
The hotel manager added that a woman has yet to take her up on the offer, but she has a room ready and waiting for when they do.
