DEACON FOR LIFE

Were there to be no support in the whole history of ethical and moral thought, were there no acknowledged confirmation from medical science, were the history of legal opinion to the contrary, we would still have to conclude on the basis of God's Holy Word that the unborn child is a person in the sight of God. He is protected by the sanctity of life graciously given to each individual by the Creator, Who alone places His image upon man and grants them any right to life which they have.

Thursday, March 5, 2026

40 Days For Life: DAY 16: Miscarriage and Abortion

[pinterest.com image]

As we strive to cultivate respect for life in the womb, there's a critical issue that's often overlooked: miscarriage.

It's a topic that even many pro-lifers avoid discussing because they want to avoid stirring up painful memories for mothers who have suffered pregnancy loss.

On this week's episode of The 40 Days for Life Podcast, we talk with Laura Karlen--wife of campaign director Steve Karlen--about why silence doesn't help and how mothers long for the lives of their miscarried babies to be honored:

Tune in by clicking the image or visiting:

40daysforlife.com/miscarriage-elephant-in-the-room

On this groundbreaking episode, Laura shares how she started a home ministry to support mothers and families who suffer miscarriage.

She'll also address:

how to help equip miscarrying moms with answers to practical questions about miscarriage, like how to recover their baby's body;

simple ways to provide emotional support to loved ones who suffer pregnancy loss;

how men suffer miscarriage differently from women;

the most annoying thing about being married to Steve.

Check out the podcast, and then get Steve's book, This Is When We Begin to Fight: A family's battle against late-term abortion, academia...and miscarriage at home:

40daysforlife.com/begin

Sydney, Australia

40 Days for Life participants down under need umbrellas for both the rain and the scorching late-summer sun!

However, they are receiving great support and encouragement from their ecclesial leaders.

"It was great having Bishop Tony Percy, Fr. Benjamin Saliba, and Fr. Roberto Keryakos [join the vigil] last Saturday," wrote Paul, the longtime leader in Sydney. "They told us they plan on coming every Saturday during Lent!"

San Diego, California

It's been a cold start to the campaign...even in Southern California!

"Nine [team] members braved the chill," wrote John, who leads one of the San Diego 40 Days for Life campaigns.

That number grew to ten when a man driving past the vigil stopped to pray with the team. "He led us in a beautiful, heartfelt, and spiritual prayer asking Jesus to bless our team, the Planned Parenthood clients, and staff," John shared.

Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. Blessed are the clean of heart, for they will see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.

--Matthew 5:7-9

Lord, in your infinite mercy, bring healing and hope to those caught in the lies of the abortion industry. Answer my prayer for forgiveness on their behalf: "Thoroughly wash away my guilt; and from my sin cleanse me."

For life,

Shawn Carney

President & CEO, 40 Days for Life

40 Days for Life | 4112 East 29th Street | Bryan, TX 77802 US

Wednesday, March 4, 2026

40 Days For Life: DAY 15: Conversions Happen

[pinterest.com image]

Abortion is such a heated issue that it can be tempting to despair of the possibility of changing hearts and minds.

But conversion isn't just possible; it happens all the time.

40 Days for Life outreach director Ramona Trevino recently spoke at a prayer rally in Tacoma, Washington, where an individual who works for the abortion industry was present and listened to her testimony as a former Planned Parenthood manager...

...and nodded in agreement with the points she was making. Perhaps it's a first step toward getting away from the abortion industry!

A woman who appeared to be mentally ill passed by the vigil, repeatedly cursing at vigil participants. The angry woman left before returning a few minutes later and meekly saying, "I love you."

She went back to her bizarre behavior--but it looks like the prayers impacted her, at least for a moment.

In what seems to be a recurring trend at Ramona's visits, a post-abortive mother approached Ramona to share her regret over the abortion--and shared that had somebody been praying for her on the sidewalk, she never would have gone through with it.

"It's one of the reasons she participates in the vigil," Ramona explained.

"A powerful event," commented Tammy, the Tacoma campaign leader. "There is no doubt."

Aurora, Illinois

It was so cold at the Aurora 40 Days for Life vigil that the speakers gave out during a prayer rally!

"The worship leader could only play two songs," said Pat, the campaign leader. "But that was enough!"

The weather didn't stop a nice crowd from assembling to pray. And it didn't prevent them from singing without any amplification.

"We sang the final song a cappella," Pat noted. "I was pleased with the turnout. The speakers did a good job as well."

Zhongli, Taiwan

Sister Docilis is going church-to-church to recruit volunteers for her 40 Days for Life vigil.

"We started off with the Sacred Heart Parish...all four Masses," she said. "We also had a gathering with a group of mums to share on 40 Days for Life and pray for the unborn."

In addition to recruiting for the vigil, Sister Docilis and her team will be educating students about life in the schools.

St. Cloud, Minnesota

At 88 years young, Tudie serves as a vigil captain for the St. Cloud team, scheduling hours each Tuesday of the campaign.

She recently reported that the campaign team hosted a prayer rally on a freezing-cold and windy day. Two members of the clergy spoke at it to encourage vigil participants to pray and fast that the culture will recognize the intrinsic value of all human life.

His mother said to the servers, "Do whatever he tells you."

--John 2:5

Lord Jesus, you have used water for wine and mud to make a blind man see. Please use me as your instrument on earth. Let others feel your compassion when I encounter them. Let your work be done through my hands. Please let me especially care for mothers and their unborn children with the faith that always desires to lead people to your side.