Pro-life advert to air during Super Bowl

A pro-life advert is scheduled to be aired on US television during coverage of the nation’s biggest American football match.

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The 30-second advert is being produced by the Christian family-help charity Focus on the Family, and could be seen by more than 100 million people.

Focus on the Family’s press release doesn’t explicitly mention abortion, it only refers to “issues of life”, but media reports suggest that the advert will focus on abortion.

Focus on the Family have revealed that the advert will centre around a personal story based on the theme “Celebrate Family, Celebrate Life”.

The charity, which was founded by Dr James Dobson, has confirmed that the advert will feature Tim Tebow, a prominent figure in US college football, and his mother Pam.

Media reports suggest the advert will focus on Pam Tebow’s decision to carry her son Tim Tebow to term despite being advised to have an abortion by doctors.

Jim Daly, president and CEO of Focus on the Family, said: “Tim and Pam share our respect for life and our passion for helping families thrive”.

He added: “They live what we see every day – that the desire for family closeness is written on the hearts of every generation. Focus on the Family is about nurturing that desire and strengthening families by empowering them with the tools they need to live lives rooted in morals and values.”

The Super Bowl is seen as the ultimate prize in American advertising, and Focus on the Family secured their 30 second slot for around $3 million.

But the advert has been met with criticism from pro-abortion groups.

Jehmu Greene of the Women’s Media Centre said: “An ad that uses sports to divide rather than to unite has no place in the biggest national sports event of the year, an event designed to bring Americans together”.

However, Focus on the Family spokesman Gary Schneeberger said: “We’re not trying to sell you a soft drink, we’re not selling you anything.

“We’re trying to celebrate families. We understand that some people don’t think very highly of what we do.”

Mr Tebow is an outspoken Christian who is well know for displaying Bible references on his face during games.

The Super Bowl is due to be aired on 7 February at Dolphin Stadium in South Florida.

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