From 40 Days For Life: DAY 27: No emotional attachments, please

Deacon John, So far during this 40 Days for Life campaign, we’ve learned of … … 251 babies (that we know of) whose mothers turned around at the last minute and chose life! We have a story today about a Planned Parenthood location that would not tell a mother who was 17 weeks along whether she was having a boy or a girl. They’ll do anything they can to dehumanize the child in the womb. Any suggestion that there’s a real person there is to be avoided at all costs. Here’s an example.

Manhattan, New York The 40 Days for Life volunteers in Manhattan learned that a couple had scheduled an abortion at Planned Parenthood. The Planned Parenthood staff told this young woman she was 17 weeks pregnant – but they wouldn’t tell her the baby’s gender. “They said it may make her emotionally attached to the baby,” said Ingrid, the 40 Days for Life coordinator. “Unbelievable.” One of the sidewalk counselors was able to speak to the couple, and they agreed to go see the Sisters of Life. “They weren’t sure what to expect,” Ingrid said, “but she was happy to see them and told them that she was choosing life.” Bishop Peter Byrne and members of the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal took time to pray at the vigil. They were especially encouraged by a man who passed by and called out, “Stay strong!” Another man stopped on his bike to tell vigil participants that his dad was a drug dealer and his mother wanted to have an abortion, but she chose life. “Thank you!” he said. “You are fighting for me!”

Altamonte Springs, Florida “Thanks be to God!” said one of the 40 Days for Life team members in Altamonte Springs, one of three vigil sites in the Orlando area. When they arrived at the abortion center, a young couple seemed determined to have an abortion. Nevertheless, they accepted an offer of a free ultrasound at Life Choices, the life-affirming pregnancy help center right next door. “They were still sure abortion was the right step,” the 40 Days for Life volunteer said. “But when they saw their sweet baby’s image, though, they couldn't go through with it. God is good – and your prayers are powerful!”

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania There are two 40 Days for Life vigils in Philadelphia … and each site got some encouraging news about abortion center clients who were redirected to life-affirming resources. A prayer volunteer spoke with a young woman at one of the abortion facilities. She had gone there to set up a pregnancy test. But when she went inside to talk to the abortion center’s staff, she was told they only help people who would want an abortion if the test is positive. “When I called the pregnancy help center,” the team member said, “they were thrilled to contact her and set her up with an appointment.” At the other Philadelphia vigil, one of the volunteers was able to speak to a young woman and direct her away from the abortion facility. She, too, ended up at the pregnancy help center. Both the help center’s staff and the young woman have confirmed that she has chosen life for her baby.

Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who being in the form of God did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross. — Philippians 2:5-8 O Lord, help us follow in the footsteps of Jesus. Let us humbly and diligently work to restore legal protection for the unborn, the disabled, the medically dependent and all innocent children of God whose lives are threatened. Let us remember the old adage that “He can never lead who has not first learned to obey.” And, Lord, grant us a peaceful heart as we labor in your name. See today's full devotional

For life,

Shawn Carney President, 40 Days for Life

40 Days for Life 4112 E 29th St. Bryan, Texas 77802 United States (888) LIFE-316