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CHICAGO, March 4, 2011 (LifeSiteNews.com) – Vandals have covered over billboards recently erected in Chicago that feature a pro-life message alongside a portrait of President Obama.

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The billboards, directing viewers to the website ThatsAbortion.com, display a profile image of Obama with the words, “Every 21 minutes, our next possible leader is aborted.” The advertisement campaign was unveiled March 29 and is sponsored by the pro-life organization Life Always. The website draws attention to abortion statistics in the U.S., highlighting in particular the high abortion rate among African-Americans.

On Sunday, the Chicago Tribune reported that some of the “controversial billboard ads” had been covered up by sheets with slogans painted on them, such as, “In 21 minutes this sign should be gone” and “Abort racism.”

The Tribune released a statement by the anonymous party claiming responsibility for the counter-campaign. The statement said the ads were disrespectful, “negative” and “condemning.”

Pro-life campaigns highlighting the disproportionate rate of abortions among the African-American community have proven an emotional flash point and a target for heightened criticism.

Another billboard in New York City, also erected by Life Always, was taken down within two days last February because its message questioning the black abortion rate was panned as racist. The ad featured a photo of a young black girl with the slogan, “The most dangerous place for an African-American is in the womb.” In New York City the abortion rate among blacks is over 60%.