Controversial billboards in
Two of the three identical ads — which feature an image of President
One banner says: “”In 21 minutes this sign should be gone.”” A second banner, which dangled from the billboard Sunday after being blown by the wind, says, “”Abort Racism.””
A group described as “”social workers and community members,”” who did not want their names used, claimed responsibility for the act in a statement emailed to the Tribune. The group said the ads were disrespectful and did not represent the views of the community and that “”it wanted to replace the negative, condemning message with a positive one.””
The Rev.
Broden, who has the support of
Planned Parenthood, the city’s Black Women for Reproductive Justice and other abortion rights advocates say the ads stigmatize African-American women and restrict their ability to make personal medical decisions.
Critics also say the ads exploit the image of Obama, who supports abortion rights but has voiced concern over the high abortion rate for blacks.