40 Days for Life Campaign Kicks Off in 130 Cities
Pro-lifers in the United States, Canada and a few other countries who will begin a 40-day campaign today that seeks to end abortions will have double the support this year.
The 40 Days for Life campaign reported participation from more than 130 cities, up from about 60 cities from last year's spring campaign.
From February 25 to April 5, pro-life advocates plan to pray, fast, hold peaceful vigils outside abortion clinics and raise awareness about the pro-life movement through community outreach. The first day of the campaign was scheduled to coincide with the start of Lent season.
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"The economy is weak and the political landscape is challenging, but people recognize they can make a life-saving difference by going to pray outside the places where women and children are at risk - abortion facilities in their local towns," said Shawn Carney, spring campaign director for 40 Days for Life.
The campaign this year will mark the fourth 40 Days for Life event. Since it first began in September 2007, more than 175,000 people in 204 cities have participated.
Most cities in this year's run are in the United States, but five are in Canada, two are in Northern Ireland and one is in Australia, according to a list of participating locations. Similar campaigns will also be held in Central and South America.
"Prayer and peaceful action works, and as a result, record numbers of people are joining 40 Days for Life," commented Carney on the growing participation.
Carney also highlighted the impact of 40 Days for Life, saying three abortion facilities have shut their doors following 40 Days for Life events, 13 employees have left the abortion business, and 1,128 women have decided against abortion through the prayerful presence of people holding vigils outside the clinics.
"This is clearly making an impact when it comes to showing people, on a city-by-city basis, the negative impact that abortion has on their communities," said Carney.
"Many people think about abortion in abstract terms. But 40 Days for Life shows that abortion is real, it's in their neighborhoods, and it has devastating results - not only for the babies, but for mothers, fathers and many others."
Carmen Pate, co-host of "Point of View" Talk Show and former president of Concerned Women for America, suggested the impact of the campaign extended beyond just changes in the community.
"You may not see a miracle, but know that you are part of one," wrote Pate on Tuesday, in a devotional entry on the 40 Days for Life blog.
"Many have come into 40 Days for Life with a longing to change their communities; and many have seen that happen. But so often, we hear that the real change has come in the vigil participants themselves - growing deeper and closer to God."
Carney noted that during the campaign, participants have not only reached out to women considering abortion but those who came to see their "choice" was a poor one.
"We've been able to connect them with groups who specifically minister to those with post-abortion issues. Those ministries help these people find healing and get their lives back in order," the campaign director added.
Although the pro-life movement may be gaining ground in local communities, it may be dealt a set back when it comes to legislation.
President Barack Obama has promised to sign the Freedom of Choice Act, a measure that would codify Roe v. Wade and prohibit any state from denying a woman the right to an abortion.
Pro-life advocates say the legislation would override every pro-life law from state parental notification laws to bans on federal funding of abortion.
Carney said he believes the 2008 election confirms that America is not pro-choice but pro-life.
"America is increasingly pro-life. All the momentum is on the side of life. People do indeed want change - and the change that people are praying and fasting for is an end to the culture of death and the establishment of a culture of life," he said.
"We believe - we know - that this is a change that will happen. We can't say when, but it will happen."
On the Web: www.40daysforlife.com
