Marie Stopes International supports proposition to allow abortion advertisements

09 April 2009

As reported today by the Telegraph.co.uk, the Reverend Vincent Nichols, Archbishop-designate of Westminster, has urged Roman Catholics to oppose a proposition to allow abortion advertisements on television and radio. Leading sexual health agency Marie Stopes International (MSI) (www.mariestopes.org.uk) fully supports such advertisements and makes the following statement:

“We are delighted that the Committee of Advertising Practice (CAP) and the Broadcast Committee of Advertising Practice (BCAP) recently announced a public consultation reviewing the current rules restricting the advertising of condoms and pregnancy advisory services. The consultation means that pregnancy advisory services, including abortion information, could soon be advertised on TV and radio, and condoms could be advertised before the 9pm watershed.

This will present an excellent opportunity to provide women and men of all ages with clarity on the choices and services available to them in relation to all areas of sexual health, including unintended pregnancy.

The Department of Health has concerned itself with the provision of high-quality sex and relationship education (SRE) for young people. In support of this, we should endeavour to equip young people with the knowledge and resources to be able to protect themselves against sexually transmitted infections (STIs), unintended pregnancy and their consequences and make informed choices about their futures. Earlier advertising of condoms and pregnancy advisory services will be a step forward in meeting this aim and may contribute to lowering high rates of teenage pregnancy as part of a concerted strategy.

Just as we teach children how to cross the road safely using advertisements on the green cross code, advertising condoms and pregnancy advice services could work as a tool to educate young people to be sexually responsible when they are discovering sex.

Parents in particular should try to promote an open attitude towards talking about sex, to ensure their children approach them for advice if needed. If these adverts propel issues of safe-sex into people’s front rooms and kick-start conversations around sexual responsibility, then the relaxing of the current advertising rules will be a very positive move.

We do not believe that such adverts will encourage promiscuity amongst young people. Young people are already bombarded with sexual imagery via the TV, internet, music and computer games. The proposed advertisements will provide only educational, medically accurate, factual information about access to condoms and pregnancy advisory services, and will not sexualise or mislead young people.

The adverts will be governed by strict codes ensuring that they are legal, accurate and appropriate, and will serve solely to educate the general public on the prevention of sexually transmitted infections and the choices available to women faced with an unintended pregnancy. A discreet advert highlighting where anxious women can access pregnancy counselling and abortion services is not going to demean young people or encourage young girls to become pregnant.”

All quotes above are attributable to Anne Quesney, Head of Advocacy, Marie Stopes International.

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For media enquiries and spokesperson interview please contact:
Emily James: 0207 034 2307 / 07814 686 726
Tony Kerridge: 0207 034 2365 / 07748 948 037

Notes to editors:
MSI is a specialist organisation providing expert and confidential care and support to adults and teenagers in relation to their sexual and reproductive healthcare. This includes advice, information and services related to contraception provision and unintended pregnancies.

MSI provides a 24 hour information line to offer advice and assistance: 0845 300 0460.

For further information, please take a look around the website: www.mariestopes.org.uk

Categories: United Kingdom; Europe; Abortion; Advocacy & campaigning; Contraception; Family planning

09/04/2009

Marie Stopes International supports proposition to allow abortion advertisements

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