Canadian radio station win a baby contest
A Canadian radio station has been condemned as 'unethical and insulting' over a competition in which listeners can 'win a baby'. The competition is in fact for free IVF treatment, so not exactly a baby - but a chance to have one.Ottowa's Hot 89.9 will pay for 3 rounds of IVF to the person who makes the best case to them. The contestants have to write in 100 words or less why they want a child and and a panel of judges will pick the most persuasive as the winner.
The mother will then undergo a physical examination before being given the treatment. Hot 89.9's Morning Hot Tub show, which is running the competition, has been unapologetic and brags on its website that it is the 'first in history' to be making such an offer.
Adverts
Its "tasteful" adverts feature babies with the various captions, "She could be yours", "Win me", and "Are you my mommy".
IVF cost
Three rounds of IVF could cost upwards of $35,000 Listeners complained that the contest was sending out the wrong message, not least to the child whose parents will have to explain the story of how he was born. But Hot 89.9 has pointed out that the cost of three rounds of IVF is $35,000, which some mothers desperate to have children may not be able to afford.
Canadian citizens only
The competition, which closes on October 10th and is only open to Canadian citizens,
Audience backlash
Dozens of listeners have also shown their disgust on the radio station's Facebook page and by calling in.
A listener called Sharon emailed in to say: 'I will never listen to you again. I think this contest is in extremely poor taste and I am surprised you are even allowed to do this. 'I think this is the most unethical and insulting contest you could have aired. What if the winner is someone who isn't really serious but thought it would be 'fun' to enter a contest? 'Congratulations on hitting a new low.'
Some support
But others were more supportive and pointed out it might enable a poor couple to have a child where they otherwise would not be able to. Tony Hodkinson posted: 'Way to go Morning hot tub! 'A contest usually involves winning something you would really want but may not be able to afford. 'The way you guys have set it up is awesome and one lucky couple will be forever grateful to win such expensive treatments!
Read more at: dailymail.co.uk