I am not so sure this is a good idea.

I have seen a couple of icons of the Visitation in which Jesus and John the Baptist are shown in utero each with haloes. These are more recent icons though there is a 12century icon of the Annunciation showing Jesus in utero with a halo.

Peace, Mike

Michael K. Marsh

In Taize in the main church, there is a lovely window with Mary and Elizabeth, and John and Jesus in utero.

However, I would agree with Jim's reservation for two reasons. First, is the ultrasound truly such a universal image that all those across the world would recognize it? Is ultrasound honestly in use in every single pregnancy to the point that the ad presumes?

Second, the ultrasound images have sadly been used by abortion opponents for a number of years. (Remember the infamous "Abortion stops a beating heart" stickers?) Does this ad risk identifying itself with the abortion opponent movement, rather than with the reality of life which it seeks to portray?

re: ultrasound as universal image - shows the "Anglican campaign co-founder's ignorance of most of the world.

Absolutely, Ann. Why the ACNS would ever ever let this go out under its imprimatur is beyond the pale. Rule Britannia, Britannia rule the world. Good grief.

On a related note, the Niger Delta experience a Gulf sized spill every year. And the western world is oblivious, ignorant, or cold hearted. Or all three.

I read that John, -- all about "us" as usual - horrifying - the human damage in the Niger Delta is also appalling. Why is the church not speaking about this situation? CANA?

". . . is the ultrasound truly such a universal image that all those across the world would recognize it? Is ultrasound honestly in use in every single pregnancy to the point that the ad presumes?

Second, the ultrasound images have sadly been used by abortion opponents for a number of years. (Remember the infamous "Abortion stops a beating heart" stickers?) Does this ad risk identifying itself with the abortion opponent movement, rather than with the reality of life which it seeks to portray?"

Infamous? How about a factual reminder that a child in utero is just that-- a human child? That one disagrees with a legal prohibition on abortion shouldn't lead to a dismissal of the reality and sacredness of all human life. Let that "choice" be an informed choice.

Ultrasound is reported in our US media to be widely used in east Asia and India as a tool in sex selection, i.e. selecting out female children. If the birth mother of my twin daughters, and every mother and father, glimpsed an ultrasound and recognized in some way that she too was bearing the images of God, instead of two girls to be snuffed out-- well, that's a good thing. Isn't it?

TEC's official teaching on abortion-- a tragic choice only to be made with spiritual guidance -- is entirely supported by this message.

The Rev. Bill Ledbetter

The ad seems to fall into the hands of those who would deny women the right to choose to bear or not bear a children. This is not surprising, given the history of misogyny in the Church of England (which still denies women access to all orders of ministry) and others. The churches have no right to impose their religious doctrines on the bodies of women.

Ultrasound shows nothing but fetuses. Religious doctrines project the so-called sacred onto just about everything, except women and LGBTs.

The same churches whose leaders denied their priests were abusing children now are attempting to present themselves as champions of life.

Gary Paul Gilbert