Donut maker Krispy Kreme has sparked a controversy with their latest promotion: a donut giveaway on Inauguration Day.  The company announced they were “honoring America’s sense of pride and freedom of choice on Inauguration Day, by offering a free doughnut of choice to every customer on this historic day, Jan. 20.”

The words “freedom of choice” have attracted the attention of several Pro-Life groups. Citing the controversial Freedom of Choice Act, which would repeal the restrictions imposed by the previous administrations Federal Abortion Ban, many feel the donut maker is advancing the loosening of abortion laws. While campaigning in July of 2007 Senator Obama stated, “The first thing I’d do, as president, is sign the Freedom of Choice Act.”

“The unfortunate reality of a post Roe v. Wade America is that ‘choice’ is synonymous with abortion access and celebration of ‘freedom of choice’ is a tacit endorsement of abortion rights on demand,” wrote American Life League (ALL) cofounder Judie Brown on the groups website.

Following the incident, Krispy Kreme has removed the phrase “Freedom of Choice” from their announcements.

“American Life League thanks Krispy Kreme for correcting their public statement. Their corporate decision was not only wise but will result, we are certain, with an increased number of customers not only on January 20th but for years to come,” Judy Brown wrote in a subsequent posting.

Did Krispy Kreme intend to spark controversy with their Inauguration Day promotion? A quick look on their website shows no prior history of political controversy, and little more than a brief history of their company. Though Pro-Life groups will point out that Obama’s inauguration came only two days before the anniversary of the Roe v. Wade decision.

“I think it’s a poor choice of words,” said John Stanton of the Pro-Life Union of Southeastern Pennsylvania. The union describes themselves as dedicated to building a Culture of Life by promoting the sanctity of Life and the virtue of chastity. “I can’t speak to what is in their conscience but I think that it’s unfortunate. I feel that any promotion centered around the killing of babies is upsetting.”

Other groups such as the Urban Family Council declined to comment on the issue, claiming that they were unaware of any controversy.  But the question remains: is it possible for a movement to brand a word such as choice? Roe v. Wade was decided over 36 years ago, and the word “choice” does not appear in any definition for abortion.

Likewise “abortion” does not appear in a definition for the word choice. Merriam-Webster’s online dictionary lists choice as the act of choosing, the best part, a number to choose among, care in selecting, or a grade of meat between prime and good. If we’re going to take offense to the word choice, then vegans should be the more offended party. Furthermore it lists the synonyms as option, alternative, preference, selection and finally, election.

It should be noted that Krispy Kreme also offered this exact same promotion last November 4th on Election Day, well before anybody could possibly know who the next president would be. It might be possible that the donut giant was celebrating America’s right to make another choice; it’s leader. (And possibly to sell more donuts).

While Judie Brown has criticized President Obama, calling him, “one of the most radical pro-abortion politicians ever elected president,” she has not endorsed McCain either. In her February 2008 article “A Black Eye for the Pro-Life Movement!” she openly complained that Catholics were supporting him as a candidate. So it may be a stretch to assume that this was an anti-Obama protest.

Another possibility is that the American Life League is using this perceived connotation to further it’s own cause, regardless or whether or not it is relevant in this case.

Finally, has the controversy affected Krispy Kreme directly? On a trip to the Krispy Kreme in New York’s Penn Station I asked the question to a pair of employees who genuinely seemed to be clueless about the subject.

“Are you talking about that abortion thing?” Ray, a third employee said. “Yeah, I heard about it.”

“That’s stupid,” manager Joanne said upon hearing about the story. “We sold a lot of donuts on Inauguration Day. It was a big success.” When asked she said that they haven’t seen any dip in sales.

“If anything I think it’s more publicity for us,” said Natasha, another employee. “I mean people think our donuts are fattening, but nobody’s going to think we care about abortions.”

I think that Krispy Kreme is going to be fine.