Plan B Forum

Screengrab from the Marie Stopes television advert which will first be screened at 10.10pm on Monday on Channel 4.


Forty years after abortion was legalised in Britain, open, positive discussion of the subject is still frowned upon. Most women understand the gut-gnawing frisson of panic that accompanies every day of a missed period that might herald an unwanted pregnancy, and most can empathise with the sense of shame at not knowing where or how to discuss the options. Next week, the first ever television advertisement by an abortion provider in the United Kingdom will air on Channel 4, promoting a safe, impartial helpline for women seeking advice on unplanned pregnancy – but the backlash has already begun.

The decision by Marie Stopes International to advertise on television – almost as if it were offering a legal service that a third of British women will have cause to access in their lifetime – has been met with outrage from anti-abortion groups. Rumours that Conservative MPs are planning to table an early day motion against the campaign are already circling in Westminster. This sort of reaction is revealing about the ideology of the "pro-life" lobby.

Opposing the promotion of information about reproductive health is not about saving foetuses but prolonging ignorance. The issue is not termination of pregnancy itself – which may be viewed as a necessary evil – but power, shame and control. Our culture is saturated with graphic commercial images of women's bodies, and yet frank conversation about health concerns that affect all women is almost entirely absent from the public arena.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree ... ert-outcry

rubato wrote:If we want this debate to become less contentious and less harmful we will have to find a way to remove the political advantage which is gained by pandering to the most vicious and superstitious members of society.


yrs,
rubato

I agree with the sentiment, however organised religion can claim mass backing, and therefore demand a right of say in any democracy.

Ultrasound images of their babies in the womb are being used as an emotional weapon against women seeking abortion in an American state.



A law requiring them to be shown the pictures before they are allowed to go ahead with a termination was imposed last week.

If a woman looks away from the ultrasound screen, doctors must describe the embryo or foetus to her in detail at least one hour before the planned termination.
The law exempts women who need an abortion for medical reasons, but not victims of rape or incest.

It caused an outcry when it was passed in Oklahoma and was suspended after six days pending the outcome of a legal challenge by abortion providers.

Anti-abortion campaigners insist the legislation allows women to make a more informed decision. 'To be able to put a face on that baby humanises this process and really allows the mother to connect,' said Carrie Gordon Earl, of Focus on the Family.

But the director of one abortion clinic in Tulsa called the law 'intrusive and cruel'.

Linda Meek said that in the days the law was enforced, all the patients at her Reproductive Services clinic averted their eyes from the screen. Many also became tearful but none changed their minds about having the abortion.

A number of other states require abortion doctors to carry out an ultrasound scan, but women can choose not to look at it.

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/worldne ... z0pSu8lPSQ