40 Days for Life
Campaigns to Oppose Abortion in 156 Cities
"While many see a time of darkness this week as the United States marks
the 37th anniversary of the Roe v. Wade Supreme Court ruling that
imposed abortion on America, and as the U.S. Congress deliberates
legislation that could lead to dramatic increases in taxpayer funding
for abortion, I see a time of great hope," said David Bereit, national
director of 40 Days for Life.
"I am hopeful for many reasons, but especially because pro-life
advocates in some 156 cities from coast to coast -- plus four Canadian
provinces and three Australian states -- are willing to step out in
faith and host 40 Days for Life campaigns," he said. The coordinated
international campaign begins February 17 and runs through March 28.
"The fact is that even as proponents try to encourage more abortions --
and as they try to encourage government funding of abortions -- more
women are realizing the truth about abortion and rejecting it as an
option, and more people are simply saying 'Enough!' and taking a stand
against these efforts to promote a culture of death."
40 Days for Life consists of 40 days of prayer and fasting for an end
to abortion, 40 days of constant, peaceful vigil outside abortion
centers and Planned Parenthood offices and 40 days of active pro-life
community outreach. The list of participating communities is posted
online at: www.40daysforlife.com/location.cfm.
The 40 Days for Life movement continues to grow. Thus far, five
coordinated national 40 Days for Life campaigns have been conducted,
twice each year, beginning in the fall of 2007. More than 300,000
people in some 280 cities have already taken part. Five abortion
centers have closed following 40 Days for Life prayer vigils. Some 27
abortion industry employees have quit their jobs, including Abby
Johnson, who left her position as director of a Planned Parenthood
abortion center in Texas last October.
"And most incredibly," Bereit said, "we are aware of 2,168 children --
and their mothers -- who were spared from the tragedy of abortion. And
those are just the ones we know about."
The campaign dates of February 17 through March 28 coincide with the
Christian season of Lent. "The Lenten season presents a call to
sacrifice," said Bereit, "and that is central to 40 Days for Life.
Standing in prayer outside an abortion facility is indeed a sacrifice
-- particularly in northern locations where cold temperatures and snowy
conditions are often part of the weather landscape in February. But
people know their efforts have a profound impact, and so they overlook
the inconvenience and their personal discomfort to stand in peaceful
witness."
Bereit and 40 Days for Life are key participants in the Stop the
Abortion Mandate coalition that is rallying support around the United
States for keeping taxpayer-funded abortion out of any Congressional
healthcare measures. "Through the efforts of 40 Days for Life
volunteers," he said, "local campaigns will help to publicly reinforce
the message -- in 156 communities over the next couple of months --
that abortion is not health care."
Contact: Amber Dolle
Source:
40 Days for Life
Publish
Date:
January 20, 2010
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The IFRL is the largest grassroots pro-life organization in
Illinois. A non-profit organization, that serves as the state
coordinating body for local pro-life chapters representing thousands of
Illinois citizens working to restore respect for all human life in our
society. The IFRL is composed of people of different political
persuasions, various faiths and diverse economic, social and ethnic
backgrounds. Since 1973 the Illinois Federation for Right to Life has
been working to end abortion and restore legal protection to those members of the
human family who are threatened by abortion, infanticide and euthanasia. Diverse though we are, we hold one common belief - that
every human being has an inalienable right to life that is precious and must be protected. IFRL is
dedicated to restoring the right to life to the unborn, and protection
for the disabled and the elderly. Click here to learn more about the IFRL.