David Amess, Conservative MP for Southend West, asked Culture Minister Ed Vaizey about complaints over a TV advert for abortion services yesterday.
Mr Amess, a long time anti-abortion campaigner, asked in a written question: “what representations he has received from members of the public, hon. Members and Members of the House of Lords against television advertisements for abortion services since 15 May 2010.”
Mr Amess was referring to an advertisement first shown on Channel 4 at 10.10pm on Monday 24th May. It advertises the services of Marie Stopes International, a not-for-profit sexual and reproductive health organisation that provides services including abortion and vasectomy.
The ad features various women from different backgrounds, whilst a voiceover narrates ‘If you’re late for your period you could be pregnant. If you’re pregnant and don’t know what to do, Marie Stopes International can help.”
Mr Vaizey wrote in reply: “At 26 May, 603 pieces of electronic correspondence have been received from members of the public about television advertisements for post-conception advice services.
“Five pieces of correspondence on the same subject have been received from MPs, and none has been received from Members of the House of Lords.
“Of the total received, 607 representations oppose the advert. “Broadcast advertising is strictly controlled by the Advertising Standards Authority working in a co-regulatory partnership with Ofcom.
“This regulatory regime is independent of Government and sets the standards for all television advertising.
“Under existing rules non-commercial providers of post-conception advice services are permitted to advertise on television in the UK.
“If, in exceptional circumstances, the Secretary of State was persuaded that the rules in this area were not strong enough there are, ultimately, powers under the Communications Act to direct Ofcom on the descriptions of advertisements that should not be included in programme services.”
