PRESS RELEASE:BBC Memo on “Reproductive Rights” Reflects Censorship
BBC Memo on “Reproductive Rights” Reflects Censorship
London, 11 November 2025 — Abortion Rights condemns a leaked internal memo written by Michael Prescott, a former standards adviser to the BBC’s Editorial Guidelines and Standards Board.
In the memo, BBC journalists are criticised for using the term “reproductive rights” in coverage of the US election. Prescott claimed the phrase was “contested” language and that it “signals to many BBC viewers, particularly those in America, a biased mindset.”
Kerry Abel, Chair of Abortion Rights, said in response:
“We are shocked to see the term ‘reproductive rights’ described as ‘contested’ in the memo to the BBC board. In fact, it is the globally established terminology of human rights and health, recognised by the United Nations and the World Health Organisation, and is used extensively across the UK by leading professional bodies including the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG), the Faculty of Sexual and Reproductive Health (FSRH), the Royal College of Nursing (RCN), and the Royal College of Midwives (RCM).
Labelling it ‘contested’ risks obscuring the reality of the issues at stake and undermines trust in accurate, rights-based reporting.”
Abel continued:
“In the same memo, Prescott complained that ‘The BBC focused too heavily on campaign issues … such as abortion and women’s rights.’ At a time when such rights are under attack across the US every day, we believe there cannot be too much coverage of the brutal consequences of abortion bans.”
Abortion Rights calls on the BBC and other broadcasters to reaffirm their commitment to accurate, inclusive, and fearless reporting. The organisation warns that treating established human rights terminology as partisan risks distorting public understanding and silencing those most affected by policy decisions.
For media enquiries:
📧 choice@abortionrights.org.uk
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