Private abortion clinics to be allowed to advertise on TV
Filed under: In the news
PA
Advertising watchdogs ruled yesterday that private clinics that carry out abortions for profit will be allowed to promote their services on TV and radio.
Until now, restrictions have meant that only not-for-profit organisations have been allowed to advertise family planning services, including abortion.
This is why just one advert, by charity Marie Stopes International, has ever been aired on TV. The Daily Mail reports that when it was shown in 2010 it attracted more than 4,500 complaints.
There are more than 35 private hospitals in England that offer abortion services, with many also offering maternity and fertility services. However it is not known how many of these will choose to advertise or whether the adverts will be screened before the watershed.
The Telegraph reports that the two bodies responsible for Britain’s advertising codes, The Committee of Advertising Practice (CAP) and the Broadcast Committee of Advertising Practice (BCAP), said it had become impossible to justify not allowing companies to advertise because the services they offer are legal.
Campaigners have warned that this could lead to a flood of advertising that risks trivialising abortion.
Mark Bhagwandin, from the pro-life charity Life, said: “This is an extremely disappointing decision.
“The abortion industry has a lot of money behind it and these companies will have the means to run prime time television and radio advertising campaigns.
“This will trivialise and commercialise the decision to terminate a baby, putting it on the same footing as choosing other products advertised on television.
“I have no doubt that we will see a rise in abortions as a result of this.”
Matt Wilson, a spokesman for BCAP, said: “There is not going to be some sort of free-for-all saying ‘come to us to get an abortion’.
“They are not there to promote abortion, they have to promote an array of services. It is about being responsible and commercial pro-lie pregnancy services will now be able to advertise too.”
Do you think that TV adverts will influence a woman’s decision to have a termination? Let us know below…
Click on the image below for some foods that will help you fight flu…
- Chicken soup
<p>
Chicken soup has long been a go-to cold cure thanks to its anti-inflammatory and mucous-thinning properties. Adding noodles or vegetables will help bolster the immune system with additional carbs and nutrients, and give your body a much-needed energy boost.</p>
- Garlic
<p>
Not great for your breath, garlic is good for your body, thanks to allicin (produced when garlic is crushed), which helps fight infections.</p>
- Mushrooms
<p>
These immune-boosters contain cytokines which help defend the body against viruses and tumours. A 2011 study found that the <a href=”http://lifestyle.aol.co.uk/2011/12/20/mushroom-omelette-could-cut-your-risk-of-pancreatic-cancer/” target=”_self”>selenium and nickel in mushrooms can also help reduce the risk of pancreatic cancer</a>.</p>
- Sweet potatoes
<p>
Full of fibre and beta-carotene – which is converted to vitamin A in the body and helps with respiratory infections – sweet potatoes are among the tastiest immune-boosters. Other orange foods like carrots and squash are also good.</p>
- Oats
<p>
Packed with vitamins E and B as well as beta-glucan, a fibre with strong antioxidant capabilities, oats have been found to help stave off flu and herpes in animals, as well as boosting immunity and healing wounds faster in humans. </p>
- Chilli peppers
<p>
Hot peppers have capsaicin, which will thin mucous and help with congestion. Make a warming, veggie-packed chilli dish to get a nutrient boost and energy levels up. </p>
- Strawberries
<p>
While vitamin C’s flu-fighting effects are debatable, it’s still a powerful antioxidant that helps lower blood pressure, boosts collagen production and acts as a natural antihistamine. Strawberries are packed with vitamin C and aid in reducing inflammation, as well as preventing cancer and promoting heart health.</p>
- Tea with honey and ginger
<p>
Full of antibacterial polyphenols which are anti-viral and anti-inflammatory, tea (without milk) is an easy, natural cold fighter. Add honey for energy (it will help with a sore throat and will fight off bacterial infections), and some ginger to calm an upset stomach.</p>
- Dark chocolate
<p>
Here’s some tasty news: dark chocolate can help boost your immunity, thanks to high cocoa levels which support the body’s T-cells and help aid in fighting infection. In addition, dark chocolate’s theobromine content has been found to work as a cough suppressant. </p>
- Yoghurt
<p>
A study found that the probiotics in yoghurts with live and active cultures may reduce cold and flu symptoms, cutting the duration of a fever, cold and runny nose.</p>
Be a fan of Lifestyle on Facebook | Follow us on Twitter! | Sign up to our newsletter
