40 Days for Life reports saved lives, heightened awareness

Washington D.C., Mar 17, 2008 / 17:05 pm

Sunday concluded the 40 Days for Life campaign that took place in 59 cities and 31 states.  The effort included 40 days of peaceful protest outside abortion facilities and Planned Parenthood clinics, and prayer and fasting to raise awareness of abortions taking place in local communities.

"We are seeing a tremendous change taking place across the nation as our second simultaneous coast-to-coast 40 Days for Life campaign draws to a close," said David Bereit, national campaign director of 40 Days for Life.

"We know lives have been saved. People participating in vigils across America report that women who were planning to abort their babies changed their minds - in many cases, just because of the simple presence of people standing vigil outside the clinics, praying for these mothers and their children," said Bereit in a press release. "The reports we receive every day always include mention of lives spared from abortion."

The campaign that began February 6 and ended March 16 also increased public awareness.

"I know many people are simply not aware that abortion is present in their neighborhoods," said Bereit, "but this effort has changed that. One of the leaders of a local 40 Days for Life campaign told me she had driven past a building almost every day for ten years, but never knew an abortion facility was present. A whole community knows it now."

Bereit stated that communities typically continue their efforts after the 40 days have elapsed.  He said people frequently ask him what happens on Day 41, when the formal part of the 40 Days for Life effort has ended. "The question seems to be answering itself.  For one thing, people see that being at the clinic saves lives. There are efforts under way in many cities to see that there are people praying outside whenever abortions are being done."

The campaign director also gave credit to God, saying, "We are most humbled by the many victories - God's victories - that have been reported during this 40 Days for Life effort.  We look forward to the future with hope and anticipation."