The question of why advertisements for contraceptives are not shown on television in the United States is explored in this paper. The statement is made that although television is permeated with sex, network broadcasters steadfastly ban contraceptive advertising from the airways on the grounds that they do not want to alienate or offend viewers. Court cases involving the advertising of contraceptives are listed and discussed, and the basic legality of contraceptive advertising is established. The stance of the National Association of Broadcasting is also explored, and the results of a survey of television stations' actions and attitudes on contraceptive advertising are reported. Examples of sample commercials and the television survey are included. (DF)