U.K.: Abortion Ads to Air During Commercial Breaks?

LONDON, March 26, 2009 — -- Advertisements offering advice on pregnancy -- including abortion -- could be allowed on British television and radio for the first time under proposed rule changes.

As the rates of teenage pregnancy and the spread of sexually transmitted diseases continue to rise in the United Kingdom, the Broadcast Committee of Advertising Practices is considering rewriting the TV rules regarding advertising as a way of tackling the problem.

Condom ads would also be permitted to air anytime. Currently, they can't be shown before the 9 p.m. "watershed" hour currently imposed on most British channels.

Ann Furedi, chief executive of the British Pregnancy Advisory Service, told ABCNews.com she welcomed the proposal.

"Why would we not want women to be able to know quickly and simply where they can get pregnancy testing and referral for abortion treatment or antenatal care, depending on what they decide is best for them?" she said.

This change is one of a number of suggestions the British Pregnancy Advisory Service has under review. The proposals are part of a wider review of advertising codes. After a public review, a decision will come later this summer. If approved, the ads could start appearing in 2010.

Supporters say the advertisements are a logical response to the government's plea for help in curbing teenage pregnancy.

But Dr. Peter Saunders at the Christian Medical Fellowship told ABCNews.com that this is not the solution.

"This is like having the ambulance at the bottom of the cliff to deal with the casualties rather than putting up a safety rail at the top of the cliff to stop them falling off," he said.