Anti-Abortion TV Program Mobilizes Christians to Action

By Kevin Jackson, Christian Post Reporter Monday, June 25, 2007

A new program documenting about how America can bring an end to abortion will be premiering this Monday on the Eternal Word Television Network (EWTN), one of the most viewed religious networks in the world.

Directed by an Emmy Award winner, beingHUMAN: 40 Days for Life, will encourage Christians from around the world in ways to help in the abolishment of abortion by exhibiting how everyday people have aided in the fight.

Through the feature, producers hope that people can learn about what they can do in their own communities.

"beingHUMAN reaches out to the thousands of individuals who stand up for life peacefully and prayerfully," explain contributors on the film's website. "This inspiring program takes an honest approach that will touch hearts, change minds, and encourage the viewer to faithfully work to end the injustice of abortion."

According to the National Right to Life, nearly 50 million abortions have taken place since 1973, the year that Roe v. Wade legalized abortion in all 50 states. Although abortion trends have been declining in recent years (the number had been as high as 1.6 million abortions in 1999), the current number averages around 1.3 million abortions per year, according to the Alan Guttmacher Institute (AGI).

Other countries, meanwhile, have witnessed a rise in the number of aborted fetuses. England and Wales, for example, increased four percent over the last year.

The Coalition for Life – the organization behind the new program – hopes to start lowering these statistics significantly through getting people involved.

Hosted by Shawn Carney, executive director of the Texas-based Coalition for Life, the documentary-style show will reach 128 million homes in 140 countries around the world, according to EWTN stats, which will help in getting the word out.

"This powerful program will set Christians across America on fire to peacefully work to end abortion," explained Coalition for Life promoters in a statement. "It reveals how communities can make a difference by relying on Christ and taking their faith to the streets to save lives from abortion."

The documentary is purposefully titled beingHUMAN: 40 Days for Life to help gain exposure for the National 40 Days for Life movement that will take place in fall 2007. During that time, pro-life advocates will spend 40 days praying and fasting outside of abortion clinics to ask for change.

"This campaign could accomplish more in 40 days than one entire decade since Roe v. Wade,"explained a national leader on the Coalition for Life website.

Coalition for Life coordinators are now asking churches, organizations, and individuals to spread the word about the upcoming fall event and garner support. They expect a big impact.

"This national campaign will be one of the most powerful pro-life efforts in the American history," they explain on their website. "The 40 Days for Life gives hope to communities who feel helpless on this issue and inspires them to rely on Christ to impact our culture, save lives, and change hearts in their community."

On the web: Previews for the upcoming film at CoalitionforLife.com.