Pro-life groups in the United Kingdom have declared today a national day of prayer and fasting.

On this date in 1967, the abortion act passed, legalizing abortion in Great Britain.

"As we have seen 8.9 million babies' lives lost in this country since the abortion act was passed, it is vitally important that we all do our bit," said Stuart McCullough of the Good Counsel Network, which works closely with 40 Days for Life in the London area.

Even 50 years of legal abortion isn?t good enough for some in England. An effort is underway to create buffer zones around abortion facilities that would stifle all pro-life outreach.

Media postings are encouraging the effort, with headlines such as "Time to move anti-abortion protests out of women's way."

But Clare McCullough, who has led 40 Days for Life vigils in London, says the only commotion around the abortion centers is created by pro-abortion protesters.

"The typical pro-life witness consists of three people, one praying and perhaps two handing out leaflets," she said. The pro-abortion side "created the incident, and they're blaming us."

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.