New pro-life ads on Metro Transit bus stops are reigniting the abortion debate in Halifax.
At least one of the controversial ads is located outside of a Halifax hospital where abortions are performed, prompting an angry response from some who say it should be taken down.
“I’m a pediatrician. I work at the children’s hospital and I really disagree with the fact that that would be allowed to be posted so near a hospital where we have to have sympathy for all of the people that we’re caring for there,” says Dr. Erin Killorn.
A baby is pictured in the ads, which say “Luc was born today but his life began nine months ago.”
“We don’t produce anything other than ourselves so what else could it be except another human being?” asks Julie Culshaw of Signs for Life, a relatively new pro-life organization.
“The simple fact is that every single person, male or female, has a right to universal, safe health care,” says John Britton, executive director of the Halifax Sexual Health Centre.
“It’s a very, very difficult decision for anybody to have to make…and then when they have to go have that medical procedure done, it would be very upsetting to see that on your way in.”
The ads were posted by Signs for Life. Members say they aren’t meant to be offensive but, rather, to start a discussion.
“The girl who’s pregnant and sees that sign and has second thoughts, we just want her to have second thoughts and look for some help, because there is a lot of help out there,” says Culshaw.
Reactions to the ads were mixed on social media and on the streets of Halifax.
“It’s kind of offensive. Well no, it’s really offensive,” says Hayley Ellwood.
“I oppose abortion. Shouldn’t be any abortion because that’s killing people,” says Roxana Chavarri.
“Most people, if they’re in that situation, reading a billboard’s not on top of their priorities,” says Fred Meyers.
Some people are also taking issue with the fact that the ad is on city property. The city says ads do have to meet the Canadian Code of Advertising Standards, but outside companies make those decisions.
“They sell the ad space, they give us a flat rate, they erect the shelters and they choose the ads and put them up so Metro Transit has nothing to do with the ads in those bus shelters,” says city spokesperson Janet Bryson.
Others say the debate is not only about abortion, but also about freedom of expression.
“Everybody has the right to express their own opinion and if they want to do it in public, then that’s fine,” says Hannah Thackery.
For now the ads are on bus shelters only, but starting Dec. 30, they will also be seen on 255 buses in HRM.
With files from CTV Atlantic's Kayla Hounsell
