The British Humanist Association (BHA) has welcomed new rules to allow condoms to be advertised on television before the 9 o’clock watershed. The new rules have been brought in following a consultation last year on the Broadcast Committee of Advertising Practice (BCAP) code. However, the BHA has expressed disappointment about a delay in a decision regarding the advertisement of some family planning and abortion services.
Naomi Phillips, Head of Public Affairs at the BHA, explains, ‘We support advertising of condoms because everybody, especially young people, has the right to access objective information about contraception, in order to make informed choices for themselves, and television is an excellent medium for reaching the cohort which is most at risk of STIs and unwanted pregnancies.
‘However, we are disappointed that the decision on abortion services has been delayed. Women have the right to information on their choices regarding family planning and services and it is especially vital that women with unintended and unwanted pregnancies are able to access, in a timely way, accurate, objective information about all of the options open to them. This delay imposes an unnecessary restriction on accessing that information.
‘We are also concerned that appeals for donations for an uncontroversial purpose, relief of poverty for example, may now be used by religious organisations as a means to further their religion.’
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Read the BHA’s response to the BCAP Code Review consultation.
For further comment or information, contact Naomi Phillips on 020 7079 3585.
The BHA is committed to encouraging informed and responsible choice. Therefore, we believe that all children are entitled to full and accurate SRE, including unbiased information on contraception, STIs, abortion, sexual orientation, and the many forms of family relationship conducive to individual fulfilment and the stability of society.