Children’s rights campaigners are lobbying European governments and health organisations to halt the sexualisation of foetuses by practises such as the “insensitive and intrusive” use of scanning during pregnancy. They are also concerned about the dangerous psychological effects on foetuses whose mothers wear scanty underwear.
“Both of these practices,” says Eunice Sowerbut, Chairperson of the Society for the Protection of Embryonic Rights Movement (SPERM) “promote a sexualisation of the unborn. Images of naked foetuses are being casually passed around by pregnant women wearing inappropriate underwear in places like wine bars, in the workplace via mobile phones and even posted on the internet.”
Opposition to the campaign is mounting from health experts and retailers across Europe. Gunther van Hymann a leading Embryologist from the University of Kocksberg, said “It is time that SPERM was put in its place. There is no clinical evidence that foetuses are being sexualised. If a parent chooses to share images or wear sexy knickers it is their choice. It will not harm the foetus in any way.“
However Ms Sowerbutt remains unconvinced by the experts and goes further. “Scanning is just the tip of the iceberg. These images could end up in the hands of foetophiles so action needs to be taken right now. The wearing of thongs or lacy underwear by pregnant women also has a detrimental effect on the mind of the developing foetuses so retailers need to take some responsibility.”
A spokesperson for high street clothing giant, Primark said, “We are opposed to SPERM’s views but in the light of the current debate we are putting our new range of clothing for foetuses on hold.”