Nation's largest wireless provider allows pro-abortion text messages

Newark, N.J., Sep 28, 2007 / 10:21 am

Earlier this morning Verizon chose to reverse yesterday’s decision that Naral Pro-choice America could not send text messages on their wireless network. 

Verizon spokesman Jeffrey Nelson said that, "The decision to not allow text messaging on an important, though sensitive, public policy issue was incorrect, and we have fixed the process that led to this isolated incident."

"Upon learning about this situation, senior Verizon Wireless executives immediately reviewed the decision and determined it was an incorrect interpretation of a dusty internal policy," Nelson said. "That policy, developed before text messaging protections such as spam filters adequately protected customers from unwanted messages, was designed to ward against communications such as anonymous hate messaging and adult materials sent to children."

The newly approved text message program from Naral allows cell phone users to sign up to receive texts by sending a message to a five-digit number. These numbers are known as "short codes," and have become a popular way to get updates on everything from sports to politics to entertainment news.

Other leading wireless carriers have accepted Naral's request to use their networks, according to the AP.

Naral president Nancy Keenan said today that the organization was distressed by the company's original denial of Naral's request. Keenan also leveled accusations of “corporate censorship” against Verizon, a private company, for its denial of Naral’s short code.