Toronto fetus sues abortion protestors for unlicensed use of likeness

A Toronto unborn fetus has launched a lawsuit against anti-abortion group ValueLife.

The fetus, who is currently unnamed, alleges that their image was used on posters and in pamphlets produced by ValueLife. 

"It's definitely me. It's from the last 3D ultrasound I did,” said the fetus.

“I'd be heartbroken, if my heart was fully formed yet".

The fetus is being represented by Toronto law firm Johnson, Jonson & Johnstson (J.J.J.).

"This is a landmark case,” said a J.J.J. spokesperson, in a press statement.

“This will protect unborns' images from being taken, sold, and distributed without their explicit consent."

ValueLife was founded in 2018. The organization regularly protests against abortion laws on university campuses in the Greater Toronto Area.

The organization has come under fire in the past for allegedly making death threats and organizing public harassment campaigns. 

Representatives for ValueLife responded to the allegations during a Facebook live

"We are firm in our stance. While protections to images apply to all persons, this fetus is not granted those same rights. However, We maintain that the fetus is a person with all the rights of any other person. Just not this one."

Public reaction to the lawsuit has been mixed.

ValueLife has received online support from its sympathizers and sister organizations. This has escalated to threats in some cases.

Some X users have posted death threats aimed at the fetus. Many are associated with anti-abortion charities.