CBS is taking heat from women's groups for its reported plan to run a pro-life-themed Super Bowl ad featuring the story of Florida Gators star quarterback Tim Tebow, whose mother was advised by doctors to abort him.
Called "Celebrate Family, Celebrate Life," the 30-second ad is sponsored by the conservative group Focus on the Family, and, the New York Daily News reports, is expected to focus on Tebow's story.
Pam Tebow was a missionary in the Philippines 22 years ago when she became pregnant with Tim, her fifth child. She fell ill, and doctors advised her to have an abortion. She refused, and Tim went on to become a college football phenomenon, winning a Heisman Trophy in December of 2007.
Thirty-second ads reportedly sell for between $2.5 million and $2.8 million.
The Women's Media Center directed its ire at Focus in the Family.
"By offering one of the most coveted advertising spots of the year to an anti-equality, anti-choice, homophobic organization, CBS is aligning itself with a political stance that will damage its reputation, alienate viewers, and discourage consumers from supporting its shows and advertisers," the group stated in a letter.
Meanwhile, the ad wouldn't be the first time Tebow has taken an advocacy stance. In 2007, Tebow, who was homeschooled, was featured prominently in an ESPN special on the plight of homeschooled athletes who are denied a chance to play mainstream high school sports.
