Two babies were saved, but five were lost. So it went on the day that abortions resumed after a lengthy hiatus at Planned Parenthood in Columbia.

(Over the past five years, abortions only took place there during a three-month period in 2015.)

"We saw the triumph of God as He saved babies," said Kathy, the local 40 Days for Life coordinator, "and witnessed the horror of what happens when moms come for the procedure that will end their child's life and will put a mark on their heart that will never go away."

This Planned Parenthood center wanted to offer abortions the week before, but the abortionist was a no-show. This time, she arrived.

A video crew from New York was also present. "Their huge cameras and four people milling about on the sidewalk were very disruptive to our peaceful prayer presence," Kathy said. "They tried to interview many, but were rejected as their intrusive cameras were right in their faces."

Still, the attention was on those who arrived for abortions ? the woman whose second child had developmental problems, and feared her third child would have them as well; the teenager whose mother had no interest in hearing about other young mothers who had rejected abortion. And the others.

For her part, Kathy said it's more important than ever for people to pray outside this abortion business.

"We are praying this will end soon when an investigation into Planned Parenthood's practices begins, but we have to be prepared."


David Brandao, COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR

With 40 Days for Life, David wears many hats. Prior to joining the 40 Days for Life team, he was an award-winning radio and TV journalist. He has also served as a board member for a pregnancy help center and as publications director for a major national pro-life organization.