ABC News’ Devin Dwyer reports: An anti-abortion candidate running for D.C. delegate to the U.S. House is airing what is arguably one of this election cycle’s most provocative TV campaign ads, featuring extremely graphic images of aborted fetuses.
The 30-second ad for Missy Smith will air 24 times on local broadcast network affiliates across the greater Washington, D.C., metropolitan area. It is so explicit that it's preceded by a 15-second warning that was added by the stations’ administrators.
Over gruesome images of bloody and lifeless premature bodies, Smith says she had two abortions but has turned against the practice.
“I was told it’s not a baby. They lied to me. They exploited me. Then I learned the truth and I’ve suffered for years,” she says. “And believe me I am angry. My heart has been ripped out. Obama, Pelosi, Reid, Norton – they all support the murder of babies and the abuse of women by abortion. It’s time to make child killing illegal again.”
YouTube has pulled the video from its site, posting a notice that it amounted to “a violation of YouTube's policy on shocking and disgusting content.”
WJLA, the local ABC affiliate to first air the ad, noted in its disclaimer that the station was required to air the ad under federal law.
The Communications Act requires broadcasters to provide legally qualified candidates fair access to ad time and forbids them from censoring ads “in any way, or for any reason.”
Smith, who is running against incumbent Democrat Eleanor Holmes Norton, claims to have backing of Tea Party. Her website reads “Tea Party’s Number One Mission: End Legalized Child-Killing.”
She is shown in photos posing with Republican Reps. Mike Pence (IN), Steve King (IA), Trent Franks (AZ) and Jeff Fortenberry (NE), who all have support of the Tea Party movement.
Smith could not be reached for comment.
For those inclined, you can view the ad on Smith's website HERE.