Most Canadian Ad Companies Won’t Run Abortion Rights Ads
For immediate release
45% refused, and 30% didn’t respond
NATIONAL – An informal survey by the Abortion Rights Coalition of Canada (ARCC) found that a majority of advertising companies in Canada refused to run an ad saying “Abortion Is Healthcare.”
Out of 33 advertising companies surveyed, 15 refused the ad and 10 didn’t respond to inquiries. Only 8 companies were willing to accept the ad.
The survey was conducted in the fall of 2025, in conjunction with a planned advertising campaign that was launched in March 2026, with ads in both English and French (see April 12 press release).
ARCC has published a brief report with information on the survey and each company’s response.
“We decided to contact a large number of ad companies because we were having trouble finding a willing one,” said Joyce Arthur, ARCC’s Executive Director. “We heard that our ad was too controversial or might be vandalized. One company told us that abortion-related ads created an ‘unsafe brand environment’ for their clients.”
“Nine companies who refused our ad specifically said they don’t accept anti-abortion ads either,” said Arthur. The largest outdoor ad company in Canada, Pattison Outdoor, told ARCC:
“Our experience was that accepting messages from either side of this issue often led to challenges and disputes that required significant time and resources to manage.”
In addition, several companies said they were bound by partner agreements with municipalities or landowners that did not allow advocacy or abortion-related ads.
“In general, the negative responses indicated that many companies don’t want the hassle or public tension that might occur with abortion-related ads. This points to the ongoing stigmatization of abortion,” said A.J. Lowik, ARCC’s President. “While we truly appreciate the eight companies who were open to running our ad, it’s disturbing that so many ad companies or their clients are afraid of running a simple ad that states the truth. Abortion is healthcare. It’s also a fundamental right that our society should openly embrace.”
Media Contact List
