An anti-abortion television and radio ad campaign has generated nearly 700 complaints to the advertising standards authority, the highest number ever received for a single advert.

The campaign, supported by church groups and political parties, runs for a week every year. Public broadcaster advertising company Ster told news website Nu.nl earlier this week that it had not rejected the adverts because it is aware of censorship.

The adverts do not conflict with the law and are covered by ‘freedom of expression’ rules, Ster said. The text of the adverts reads: ‘an unborn child deserves a future too. Abortion takes away the child’s future. So shall we give real help to mother and child?’

The campaign uses the moniker Week van het Leven (the week of life) and is asking supporters to vote for one of four initiatives to help ‘young (future) mothers’. Three of the four projects will qualify for a prize of €1,000, provided by health insurance company Pro Life Zorgverzekering.

Pro Life only pays for an abortion if the mother’s life is in danger and is part of the Zilveren Kruis health insurance group.