The overturning of Roe v. Wade is making a lifesaving impact--even in states where abortion remains legal and celebrated.
That's because the reversal of Roe has put abortion in the headlines...exactly where the abortion industry doesn't want it.
When people talk about abortion, they learn what abortion looks like feels like, sounds like, and smells like. And they become pro-life.
"We made the Boston Globe," said Sheila, who is leading the first campaign in Hyannis, Massachusetts. "That pesky Globe reporter showed up the first day as well as abortion advocates."
But while abortion supporters rallied only as long as cameras were out, Sheila and her team have been out peacefully praying for more than a month.
Even in an abortion-friendly place like Cape Cod, many in the community have welcomed vigil participants with open arms. The campaign midpoint event drew more than 80 attendees!
"The 40 Days for Life volunteers were very prayerful and encouraged by many honking horns and thumbs up for life...despite the slanted Globe article," Sheila added.
There's just a week and a day left in the largest 40 Days for Life campaign ever. Sign up to pray while there's still time!
40 Days for Life campaigns are picking up media coverage EVERYWHERE this autumn.
Cincinnati, Ohio
With Ohio voters preparing to decide whether Ohio's constitution will strip unborn children of legal protections, local media outlets are paying extra attention to 40 Days for Life vigils.
"A 40 Days for Life vigil held outside Planned Parenthood in Mount Auburn is garnering attention" and "trying to end abortion," said an NBC affiliate reporter. "Their message is clear, and they want others driving by to feel the same way."
"This was a peaceful vigil," she added, noting that the only unruly behavior came from a motorist who threw something at the pro-lifers.
Lander, Wyoming
The 40 Days for Life campaign in Lander, Wyoming, prompted a column in The Stream, pondering whether a "singular focus" on prayer can rebuild the culture in ways that traditional activism can't.
It's a thoughtful article, which you can read here: stream.org/maybe-weve-been-doing-it-wrong/
Texas
The liberal magazine Texas Monthly laments that Planned Parenthood in the Lone Star State faces an "existential crisis" and 18 independent abortion facilities (non-Planned Parenthood locations) have closed over the last five years.
The publication notes that only two independent facilities that performed abortions prior to the overturning of Roe remain open--and they're hanging by a thread.
One of those independent facilities is in Austin, where 40 Days for Life vigils continue to bring dozens of pro-lifers out to peacefully pray.
"Despite the fact that the clinic no longer performs abortions, activists continue to rally [at the facility]," Texas Monthly said, "many prompted to do so by their church leaders and the activist group 40 Days for Life."
Maybe the facility just isn't wanted by the community. Even though Texas Monthly publicized an online fundraising campaign designed to try to save the facility, it's barely halfway toward its financial goal.
When he returned to his disciples he found them asleep. He said to Peter, "So you could not keep watch with me for one hour? Watch and pray that you may not undergo the test. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak."
--Matthew 26:40-41
Most sweet Jesus, my heart aches for your suffering and loneliness in the garden of Gethsemane. Let me never fall asleep again when you so lovingly ask for my company. When I feel alone and afraid, remind me that you are with me and that you feel the pain that I feel. Keep me close to you on this 40-day journey and strengthen me through your blood and tears.
