South Dakota is one of a dozen states that protect unborn children from abortion at all ages and stages of pregnancy.
So why do 40 Days for Life volunteers continue to stand vigil in front of Planned Parenthood in Sioux Falls?
- First of all, Planned Parenthood is still open--and directing women to out-of-state abortions.
- Second, women are ordering abortion pills online--without even knowing what's in them.
- Third, abortion supporters are working to enshrine abortion as a right in the South Dakota constitution.
Those challenges require a great deal of outreach to the community, so local vigil leader Brad brought in former abortionist Dr. Patti Giebink to share the powerful story of her pro-life journey...and MUCH more.
"We need to educate people on abortion and tell them what is happening," Dr. Giebink told the crowd. "But most importantly, we need to do it with love and tenderness."
In particular, she educated the crowd on the dangers of abortion pills.
"[A woman] might be all alone at home," Dr. Giebink explained. "She's taken her medication; she's having horrible cramps and bleeding. And she's scared, but there's nobody to call. You don't have an emergency phone number. This is the worst kind of medical care."
And YOU can help spare a woman from enduring that kind of "care" by signing up to pray at your nearest 40 Days for Life vigil:
West Palm Beach, Florida
During her visit to Florida, 40 Days for Life outreach director and former Planned Parenthood manager Ramona Trevino witnessed a sad reminder of the toll abortion takes on mothers: a post-abortive woman in obvious pain sprawled out across the back seat of a car.
Sidewalk counselors have no access to the front of the abortion facility (pictured) where women enter, but that hasn't stopped them from saving babies...
...or from serving as the first sign of God's mercy to women who go through with their appointments--like the one Ramona saw.
"The final thing women leaving the abortion center see is love, prayer, and mercy embodied in those on the sidewalk," Ramona reflected.
Palmdale, California
All the way across the country in the Golden State, 40 Days for Life volunteers in the Antelope Valley held a prayer walk to witness to the public.
"We marched down the main thoroughfare of our city to Planned Parenthood, where we stood praying and singing to bring awareness to abortion in our community," wrote Mary, the local leader.
While most people responded favorably to the walk, others weren't so friendly.
The naysayers don't bother Mary and her team. They simply serve as a reminder that there's more work to be done.
"We will continue our prayer walks and peaceful vigils until truth prevails and the sanctity of the womb is respected," Mary said.
While they were there, the time came for her to have her child, and she gave birth to her firstborn son. She wrapped him in swaddling clothes and laid him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.”
--Luke 2:6-7
Dear Jesus, you entered the world through the “yes” of your mother. Help us to say “yes” to the needs of those around us, especially the needs of expectant mothers. Open our hearts so that we might generously share your love with others, and help us to be a refuge for women and children seeking safety and care. Amen.
