In 2022, the City of London enacted a by-law prohibiting the door-to-door distribution of any image of an unborn child unless it is sealed in an envelope with a warning that it may be offensive or disturbing. Breaching the by-law can result in fines of up to $5,000.
The by-law significantly hinders pro-life organizations—such as ARPA Canada—from including ultrasound images in their informational materials even though such images are not graphic or disturbing. ARPA Canada has brought a legal challenge in the Ontario Divisional Court, arguing that the City lacks the statutory authority to enact this form of content-based regulation and that the by-law unjustifiably infringes freedom of expression on a matter of profound public importance. ARPA Canada expects a hearing to take place in the spring of 2026.
You can read our factum here.
