As Friday marks 37 years since the U.S. court decision that legalized abortion, another 40 Days for Life campaign is being launched, this time in 156 cities and three countries. David Bereit, national director of the organization, stated in a press release that “while many see a time of darkness this week” due to the Roe v. Wade anniversary, and as congress “deliberates legislation that could lead to dramatic increases in taxpayer funding for abortion, I see a time of great hope.” He explained that he sees hope in the fact that pro-life supporters throughout the nation, and in Canada and Australia, “are willing to step out in faith and host 40 Days for Life campaigns.”
From Feb. 17 to March 28, people in 156 cities will organize prayer and fasting, round-the-clock peaceful vigils outside abortion clinics, and community outreach for the pro-life cause. Bereit explained that this campaign, which begins Ash Wednesday and coincides with the Lenten season, underlines the “call to sacrifice” that is “central to 40 Days for Life.”
He continued: “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 affirmed 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.” More women, he said, are “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.”
WASHINGTON, D.C., JAN. 21, 2010 (Zenit.org)