A controversial anti-Obamacare ad featuring a version of Uncle Sam as a gynecologist has been released, urging young people to 'opt out' of the health care exchanges included in the new health law, the Wall Street Journal reported.
The television advertisement was produced by Generation Opportunity, which describes itself as a "national, non-partisan youth advocacy organization" and is the first of a video series they plan on releasing. The project was launched and funded by the Koch brothers' lobbying team.
The video shows a young woman arriving at the gynecologist's office, where she tells a doctor she is signed up for Obamacare. After she enters the exam room, the doctor tells her to get comfortable as she puts her feet in stirrups. The mood immediately shifts once the doctor exists and a creepy, cartoon-looking depiction of Uncle Sam pops up from the ground.
The woman screams as Uncle Sam looms closer with a silver medical device in hand. The screen goes black and the final warning appears.
"Don't let the government play doctor."
Pro-Obamacare supporters were quick to condemn the television ad as disturbing. Illyse Hogue, leader of NARAL Pro-Choice America, claimed the ad "not only defiles our American mascot but disturbingly compared the ACA to sexual assault."
"This ad is brought to you by the same people who force the government between our legs when it comes to abortion access, forced ultra-sounds and birth control. At a time when the gender gap between parties is significant, this ad will only further alienate women," Hogue added.
Brad Woodhouse, president of Americans United for Change, called the ad hypocritical, referncing Republicans who supported required transvaginal ultrasounds for abortions.
"You have Republicans who do want to and attempt to do things like in Virginia where they attempted to force women to get a vaginal probe if they wanted to seek an abortion."
Polls conducted on the new health law demonstrate that Americans have difficulty understanding it -- numbers show that people don't love the law, but also don't want it repealed.
David Pasch, a spokesman for Generation Opportunity, responded to the criticim.
"Our mission is to empower young Americans to fight for their economic freedom and we're always grateful for the support of those who support our efforts," said Pasch. "We're trying to let them know they have options."
