As this Tuesday, October 27, marks the 48th anniversary of the 1967 Abortion Act, 40 Days for Life campaigns in the UK are calling on churches across the nation to join them in praying for an end to abortion.

?In 2013, it was projected that there would be more than 8.2 million abortions by 2015, more than the population of London at the time, or the combined populations of Scotland and Wales,? explained Robert Colquhoun, international outreach director for 40 Days for Life, a global pro-life project which has witnessed more than 10,000 babies saved from abortion.

?Each precious infant that has been lost to abortion was a unique and unrepeatable human being, made in the image and likeness of God," he said. ?This tragedy should compel us to action, to speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves. This anniversary should urge us to speak up, so that no more women cry from abortion, and no more babies die.?

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40 Days for Life currently has prayer vigils taking place in 7 UK cities this autumn ? London, Birmingham, Manchester, Leeds, Doncaster, Llanelli and Leamington Spa.

Watch this YouTube video report on the current prayer vigil in London:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SVGl8mm4zfQ

Previous vigils in the UK have witnessed several hundred babies saved and an abortion centre closed.

Robert related one success story. ?Jacquie was a lady who had a very brief holiday romance during the trip of a lifetime. She was on the pill and did not think much about her relationship after it finished.

?She found herself pregnant and had worries about debts and thought a child might destroy all her future plans and hopes. Jacquie and her mum wanted to respect the child?s life, but knew her father would think her stupid for keeping the baby in such circumstances.

?Jacquie met one of our pavement counsellors in London and sought advice. Prayers were offered for her, along with encouragement and a promise of financial support. The outcome was that Jacquie kept her baby. Her financial situation improved when the baby was born. Her grandparents loved the baby and saw Jacquie achieve her goals in her career with the support and prayers of pro-lifers. Jacquie is just one woman who has been helped through prayer to choose life rather than abortion.?

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Robert encourage people to play their part in seeing an end to abortion. ?People can join a local prayer vigil, or even plan to start their own campaign, and pray and participate. Our campaign is very simple, but also extremely effective and we have seen countless blessings in this country alone.

?Over 90% of our 40 Days for Life volunteers experience spiritual growth as a result of participating in prayer vigils. Many people have witnessed the powerful and personal emotional experience of meeting a child who was scheduled to be aborted, but thanks to their loving and kind presence outside a centre, have helped a mother choose life through a tangible offer of support.

?Maybe God is calling some of you to start efforts in your own community ? and perhaps you will be meeting babies saved from abortion in your community. With God, all things are possible!?

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Robert Colquhoun, Director, International Campaigns

Robert is based in London, where he led the first 40 Days for Life campaign in England. He now assists local leaders coordinate 40 Days for Life efforts in nations as widespread as Australia, Brazil, Croatia and South Africa.