British children exposed to pro-abortion video

[Big Lin]

British Children as Young as 14 Made to Watch Video Promoting Abortion

by Steven Ertelt
LifeNews.com Editor
November 28, 2008

London, England (LifeNews.com) -- Schoolgirls in England as young as
14-year-old are being made to watch a new video from a pro-abortion
group that promotes abortion as a positive option when faced with an
unplanned pregnancy. The video says abortion is a good option for
girls who can't afford a baby or want to keep their boyfriend.

The Family Planning Association video "Why Abortion?" shows various
scenarios where teenagers could consider abortion an option.

The video features teenagers debating abortion amongst themselves and
the majority of teens say abortion is a good option for their peers.

And it comes just weeks after the British government said sexual
education in schools should be compulsory and an announcement from the
National Children's Bureau that sexual health clinics should be
present in every school along with birth control and contraception.

According to a London Telegraph report, the FPA has sent every
secondary school a flier promoting the video of the program and a
report that supposedly refutes research showing women who have
abortions facing medical and mental health problems such as depression
or difficulties in future pregnancies.

However, pro-life advocates complained to the newspaper about making
schoolgirls see the video and the false information FPA presents.

"I wouldn't trust the Family Planning Association to teach ethics,"
Josephine Quintaville, a leading pro-life advocate, said. "It is
selling to schoolchildren the idea that women have a right to an
abortion, that it's just one of those choices."

A representative of the Society for the Protection of the Unborn Child
told the Telegraph that the video gives a "very unbalanced view of
what abortion entails."

"They don't give any indication that it might create psychological
difficulties, and the realistic alternative to abortion is not
covered," the group added.

[Alpha Hooligan]

As per usual, schools/education authorities make a rod for their own backs by not thinking these things through...would it have really been that hard to show a balanced film that carried both pro and anti abortion arguments?


AH

[drewsmom595]

This is totally inappropriate...especially in a public school. I personally don't mind my son learning about sex education as long as it's balanced. For example, abstinence should be taught with birth control. Same with abortion...I don't believe young people should be exposed to only one side.

When I was in high school, I went to a Catholic school...so you should've seen the horrific anti-abortion film I was made to see. But I expect that in a Catholic school...even though I don't think it's right. Public schools should absolutely not promote one-sided propaganda, however.

[Deleted]

Feb 11, 2009 22:48:01 GMT Alpha Hooligan said:

As per usual, schools/education authorities make a rod for their own backs by not thinking these things through...would it have really been that hard to show a balanced film that carried both pro and anti abortion arguments?


AH

Probably it would be hard, Alph. A film that the pro-Life lobby considered balanced would probably be weighted somewhat against abortion - vice versa for the other side!

I've a friend who works with teenage mums-to-be and she says that roughly half of pregnant teenagers decide to continue with their pregnancies. The lower down the social scale they get, the less likely they are to choose an abortion. This is partly, she says, down to peer group pressure; in some circles a girl who has an abortion is treated like a social pariah.

It is very hard to judge a film without seeing it. But I think it is just about possible that the film - or at least that discussion group which is singled out for criticism - is designed to make girls who have abortions feel better about themselves. I suspect that guilt is probably the biggest cause of people getting depressed after an abortion, and this is best eliminated by changing attitudes.

In any event, a lot of the anti-abortion "facts" have now been exposed as false.

[Alpha Hooligan]

Hi Skylark, it really is up to the school to commission a balanced film and show it, can't really blame pro/anti abortionists for making a film that presents their views (that's their job), it's the schools job to make sure that both views are properly presented and the kids can make an informed choice.


AH

[chefmate]

And the actual abortion they might undergo is not going to play with their minds either?

I agree it should be balanced without the extremists frightening anyone but giving a well rounded view of each side so in case the decision ever needs to be made, they have good information and not scare tactics.

[Deleted]

Feb 18, 2009 11:30:44 GMT Alpha Hooligan said:

Hi Skylark, it really is up to the school to commission a balanced film and show it, can't really blame pro/anti abortionists for making a film that presents their views (that's their job), it's the schools job to make sure that both views are properly presented and the kids can make an informed choice.


AH

I totally agree - but are you sure this film isn't balanced? After all, you have just heard one complaint about one segment, from a pressure group.

The point I was trying to make is that people with strong opinions may not see it as fair unless the argument clearly comes out on their side.

I've just noticed that in her opening post, Lin describes the FPA as "pro abortion." Isn't "pro choice" a better description?

[Big Lin]

The video says abortion is a good option for
girls who can't afford a baby or want to keep their boyfriend.

I'd say that was pretty much pro-abortion.

I think the bit about 'wanting to keep their boyfriend' is one of the most uncaring and heartless things I've ever heard!

Of course I'm not in favour of BANNING abortion; but I DO want it to be: a) an option of last resort; b) one that should only be taken if the mother's life is in danger or the pregnancy results from rape or incest; c) one that should NOT be used as a form of contraception.

I've posted figures on the numbers of girls having REPEAT abortions - in some cases for the EIGHTH time!

There's NO excuse for that sort of mindless cruelty.

[Deleted]

It is perhaps a matter of semantics, but pro choice means just that - explaining the options and supporting the girl in whatever choice she makes. Pro abortion to me means influencing that choice towads a termination, and if the film really does do that I will join the criticism! But none of us have seen it, so we can't really comment properly.

So far as I can make out this was a discussion group in which teenagers were asked to give reasons why someone might want an abortion. "Losing your boyfriend" may have been one that came out, but perhaps the group also went on to discuss whether it was a good reason.

I read another press report about the film of this which explained that it was designed to show to women in Northern Ireland, to explain their rights. There is a suggestion that the film also be used in English schools along with other teaching aids.

So far as "evidence " is concerned, the FPA and the Pro Life lobby seem to be accusing one another of presenting false information, so pity the poor teacher!