First UK Abortion TV Advert To Air

A commercial for unplanned pregnancy and abortion advisory services is to be aired on British television.

The commercial, to be screened first on Channel 4 at 10.10pm on 24th May, is part of a new campaign by Marie Stopes International, providers of sexual health services outside of the NHS.

The commercial was created by Marie Stopes International after independent research showed that only 42% of UK adults stated that they would know where to go for specialist advice (other than going to their GP) if they or their partner were faced with an unplanned pregnancy.

The survey also showed that over three quarters of UK adults (76%) agree that commercials about unplanned pregnancy advice services should be allowed on TV within appropriate broadcasting times.

Figures show that one in three women will have an abortion in their lifetime, however the subject is still not always openly, or honestly, discussed.

Dana Hovig, Marie Stopes International's Chief Executive Officer said: "Last year alone we received 350,000 calls to our 24 hour helpline. Clearly there are hundreds of thousands of women who want and need sexual health information and advice, and access to services.

"Marie Stopes International provides such support in a safe, non-judgemental environment.

"We hope the new 'Are you late?' campaign will encourage people to talk about abortion more openly and honestly, and empower women to make confident, informed choices about their sexual health."

However, the advert has angered pro-life and Christian groups who are seeking Counsel's opinion before launching a legal action to stop the advert being aired.

Andrea Minichiello-Williams, barrister and director of the Christian Legal Centre said: "It is entirely unsatisfactory that the advertising codes supposedly allow these adverts to take place, based on a very narrow reading of the term 'commercial'.

"Members of the public will be enraged that such adverts are allowed to be beamed into their living rooms, especially as early as 10.10pm, when very many teenagers are around," she said.

"Over 200,000 abortions take place each year in the UK and the figures are not falling. So-called 'family planning' is a multi-million pound industry and should not be aided by TV advertising.

"The notion that the destruction of human life can be advertised freely on TV as a service to the public is outrageous and we will be doing all we can to stop the advert from being aired."

(CD/BMcC)