By Heather Grossmann
DNAinfo Reporter/Producer
MANHATTAN — Planned Parenthood can't afford to compete in primetime with quarterback Tim Tebow’s pro-life Super Bowl ad, but they plan to air an online video featuring a former NFL running back and an Olympian in response to the controversial spot, the organization said on Wednesday.
Last week, the New York City arms of Planned Parenthood and sister organization NARAL expressed their disappointment over CBS' decision to air the pro-life Tebow ad.
The ad features the Florida Gators quarterback telling the story of his mother Pam's refusal of a doctor's order to have an abortion which ultimately led to his birth. It's funded by the Christian conservative group Focus on the Family.
Planned Parenthood's pro-choice public service announcement will appear online only and feature Olympian Al Joyner and former NFL player Sean James.
Planned Parenthood Federation of America said it made an online PSA because it did not have the cash to purchase a Super Bowl spot, which are reportedly selling for about $2.8 million for 30 seconds.
"It was a good opportunity to be a part of the conversation — to make sure that as people watch this ad, they really think about the fact that every woman should have the same ability as Pam Tebow did to make a decision that is right for her and her family," Planned Parenthood Spokeswoman Diane Quest said in an e-mail.
Quest said Planned Parenthood was able to respond quickly to CBS' decision to air the Tebow ad because of the commitment of the athletes and their production partners to the issue of abortion rights.
“Since this is an online PSA, we’re relying on folks who are inspired by the message to pass it along," Quest said.
