40 DAYS FOR LIFE: DAY 34: Saved from a Forced Abortion

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In case you missed it: Check out Fox News' coverage of how the assassination of Charlie Kirk has inspired waves of Americans to carry on Charlie's legacy by participating in their local 40 Days for Life vigils: foxnews.com/politics/40-days-life-sees-spike-volunteers-after-charlie-kirks-assassination There's STILL time to save lives. Hit the sidewalk before we wrap up Sunday night: 40daysforlife.com/locations A man in New York insisted that his wife have an abortion--even booking an appointment at Planned Parenthood in Rochester. A Canadian pro-lifer met the couple through mutual friends and texted her friend, Marlene, who has led 40 Days for Life campaigns in California, to request help preventing the coerced abortion. "All I wanted was to have an early supper...and go to sleep," Marlene said. "But this...was a matter of life and death." Marlene called the Rochester 40 Days for Life campaign leader, Rick, and brainstormed plans to get Spanish-speaking vigil participants out to the sidewalk, compile pregnancy help resources, and reach out to churches with Hispanic ministries. Most importantly, Marlene spoke with the abortion-vulnerable woman, who was conflicted about having an abortion. But she was also financially dependent on her husband and worried he would leave her. During a more than two-hour conversation, the mom made a decision: "I'm going to fight for my child," she said. "The appointment is at 8:00 a.m. tomorrow. I'm not going. I will tell [my husband] I'm keeping our baby. And if he insists on abortion, I'll [go live] with my family."

The resources that Marlene and Rick compiled proved helpful. Rick found a parish priest who is involved. Meanwhile, a representative from a pregnancy help organization visited. Not only has the mother chosen life, she's also chosen to return to her faith after drifting away from it. "I want to go back to church," she said. "It's time."

Waukegan, Illinois Leslie has led 40 Days for Life vigils in Waukegan for years and never learned of a baby saved by her efforts. That lack of visible results changed in a big way this fall. Vigil participants saw a Planned Parenthood client stop at the door, turn around, and return to her car. Shawna believed the couple had noticed her "You Don't Have to Do This Today" sign and stepped forward to offer help. The woman had already had three abortions, but upon talking with Shawna, she confirmed that she wouldn't have a fourth. "That is four saves so far this campaign," Leslie said. "And the first time since I have been leading that we have had saves to report."

St. Paul, Minnesota On his way to pick up a Planned Parenthood client, a rideshare driver stopped to talk to Stacy, a sidewalk counselor with the St. Paul team. "I'm in agreement with you," he told her. On his way out of Planned Parenthood, he stopped again--this time because the Planned Parenthood client had something to say. "I didn't do it," she said. "I saw the ultrasound." An abortion escort told the driver to move along, but he stayed put, allowing the new mother to gush about her life decision. "She had the biggest smile on her face and was so happy," Stacy recalled. Mom and baby were spared abortion because when the woman arrived at Planned Parenthood, a sidewalk counselor named Gloria encouraged her to look at the ultrasound. "One sentence saved a little boy's life," Stacy continued. "She left with that huge smile still on her face."

El Naranjal, Veracruz, Mexico A police officer in Mexico was told that abortion was her only option. If she remained pregnant, she would be kicked off the police force. The pregnant woman's mother joined the local 40 Days for Life vigil to pray for her daughter--which deeply moved the young officer. "If my mom is there, I can't go through with an abortion," she decided.

As they led him away they took hold of a certain Simon, a Cyrenian, who was coming in from the county; and after laying the cross on him, they made him carry it behind Jesus. --Luke 23:26 Lord, teach us how to suffer alongside you. Grant us the joy of your company under the wood of the cross. Grant us the strength of Simon to help you on your way. We unite every tired step and discouraging defeat to your sacrifice for the redemption of all humanity. Amen.

For life,

Shawn Carney President & CEO, 40 Days for Life

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