Young Women Targeted on Facebook With Abortion Advertising

National   |   Brad Mattes   |   Jan 18, 2013   |   1:41PM   |   Washington, DC

Facebook has emerged as a convenient and immediate way for people to connect and communicate. Not only that, it’s created an advertiser’s dream for targeting ads to specific demographics and interest groups. Unfortunately, this technology is also being used to promote abortion.

Beginning January 1, women in the UK logged into their Facebook accounts and surprisingly found targeted ads offering to help them “Find an abortion provider near you.” The ads directed women to a website listing of abortionists’ offices and facilities offering abortion services. There is even a section designated for finding a late-term abortion “specialist.” The site itself is biased and misleading. In the frequently asked questions section, it asks, “Is it dangerous to have an abortion?” The website falsely claims that childbirth is far more dangerous than abortion. Multiple research studies have confirmed the opposite—abortion is a far greater risk to women’s health.

These appalling ads were found alongside those for car insurance, travel packages and even wedding dresses. A spokesperson for Facebook reportedly said, “Advertising of post-conception advice services is permitted under Facebook’s rules, just as it is in print and broadcast media in the UK.” While at the same time, individuals are routinely banned from Facebook for posting the ugly reality of what abortion inflicts on its victims. Facebook says the reality of abortion is too awful to show, but it’s okay to show people how to find abortionists who will inflict this violence on children.

It would be interesting to find out what criteria were used to target women with these ads. However, we can take a look at what type of targeting the abortion industry does overall. It’s no accident that 79% of Planned Parenthood’s surgical abortion facilities are located within walking distance of African American or Hispanic/Latino neighborhoods. Using 2010 Census data, our research confirmed the location of over 130 of these abortion mills in the USA within less than two miles of areas with homogeneous minority populations. This placement within the community is intentional and meant to foster familiarity.

CLICK LIKE IF YOU’RE PRO-LIFE!

 

Now, don’t let the pro-abort propaganda fool you. Planned Parenthood would have you believe that they’re in these locations to serve those most in need. However, the facts from Planned Parenthood’s own annual report reveal a far more sinister motive. While their abortion numbers continue to increase for the tenth time in eleven years, the number of cancer screenings and prevention services has dropped an astounding 29%. Clearly, those numbers reflect where Planned Parenthood’s priorities lie—in the abortion industry.

My guess is that these abortion advertisements on Facebook were not successful at generating abortion income. In fact, they most likely served only to offend the viewer. However, what they imply is dangerous. It suggests that abortion is as normal as purchasing car insurance or planning a vacation. If abortion is seen as commonplace, it’s not a threat. You and I can’t allow it to become increasingly embedded into our society.

LifeNews.com Note: Bradley Mattes is the executive director of Life Issues Institute, a national pro-life educational group.