LANCASTER, England, MARCH 26, 2009 (Zenit.org).- A proposal by the Advertising Standards Authority to consider allowing the abortion industry to advertise on TV and the radio is "deeply damaging," according to the bishop of Lancaster.

Bishop Patrick O'Donoghue explained in a statement released today that the proposal originated from the Independent Advisory Group on Sexual Health and HIV, and "therefore comes from the heart of the abortion industry -- threatening yet another hammer-blow to the sanctity of human life in this country."
 
"I am appalled that this proposal will result in the deaths of many more preborn children and cause untold harm to women," he continued. "As a society, we need to wake up and stop treating abortion as a quick-fix solution to pregnancy and offer compassionate and practical support to women facing crisis pregnancies."

Bishop O'Donoghue mentioned the Cardinal Winning Pro-Life Initiative in Scotland that works to aid "pregnant women who find themselves isolated and frightened, offering emotional support and practical help such as liaising with families and providing financial assistance to women in need."

"The killing of the innocent can never be a genuine solution to a problem," the prelate concluded. "I urge all those who care about the sanctity of human life to voice their opposition to this proposal with one voice.

"At the same time, please consider lending your support to our pro-life organizations that care about mothers and their preborn children."