Proposed Changes To U.K. Advertising Code Would Loosen Restrictions On Abortion, Condom Ads

Main Category: Abortion
Also Included In: Sexual Health / STDs;  IT / Internet / E-mail;  Women's Health / Gynecology
Article Date: 31 Mar 2009 - 3:00 PDT

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British regulators on Thursday proposed changing the country's advertising rules to allow organizations that provide abortion advice and referrals to run television and radio ads for the first time, the AP/Google.com reports. The proposal is part of a larger review of the country's advertising rules and is subject to public review and the approval of a broadcasting regulator. The proposal also would allow groups that provide pregnancy-related services but do not discuss abortion to advertise if they made it clear that they do not provide abortion-related information, the AP/Google.com reports. In addition, condom ads, which currently can air only during evening hours, would be allowed to run earlier in the day. However, condom ads could not air during TV programs that are targeted toward children.

According to the AP/Google.com, easing restrictions on condom advertising is intended to reduce the U.K.'s teen pregnancy rate, which increased for the first time in five years, according to a recent report. The government has approved condom distribution in some schools and has instituted a pilot program to distribute nonprescription oral contraceptives to address the teen pregnancy rate. In addition, the government has created a sex education program for students in elementary schools, the AP/Google.com reports.

Reaction

Norman Wells, director of the conservative group Family Education Trust, opposed the proposed changes, saying, "Advertising condoms and abortion advice services at a time when more children are in the television and radio audience will do nothing to reduce teenage conceptions or sexually transmitted infections." Ann Furedi -- CEO of the British Pregnancy Advisory Service, which provides abortion services -- said the changes would help women, adding, "Why would we not want women to be able to know quickly and simply where they can get pregnancy testing help and referral for abortion treatment or [prenatal] care?" (Zuckerbrod, AP/Google.com, 3/26).

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