Abortion opponents launch campaign in 179 cities

WASHINGTON, DC – “During an election season in which abortion has emerged as a critical – and potentially decisive – issue, people across the nation need to be made aware of the reality of what abortion does to women, men, children, communities and our nation,” said David Bereit, national campaign director of 40 Days for Life. “So 42 days before Americans go to the polls to select new national, state, and local leaders, thousands of volunteers are launching a massive 40-day pro-life campaign simultaneously in 179 cities – an initiative focused on prayer, fasting, and peaceful action that could have a profound effect on our nation at this crucial time.”  

40 Days for Life is a community-based campaign that is being conducted from September 24 until November 2. The focused effort is made up of 40 days of prayer and fasting, round-the-clock peaceful vigil outside an abortion facility or Planned Parenthood center, and grassroots educational outreach. 179 communities in 47 states, the District of Columbia, American Samoa and two Canadian provinces are launching local campaigns today, making 40 Days for Life the largest and longest coordinated pro-life mobilization in history. The full list of locations is online at www.40daysforlife.com/location.cfm.

“With abortion in the forefront of the national debate during this heated political season, people of faith and conscience are coming out to 40 Days for Life kick-off events and getting involved in local campaigns in record numbers,” said Bereit. “I am seeing a greater sense of urgency to end abortion in America right now than I have seen in the last decade.”

Bereit explained that 40 Days for Life neither endorses any candidate nor campaigns against anyone seeking public office. “I am convinced that the change in the abortion status quo will begin as a spiritual change,” he said. “The nation is beginning to undergo a spiritual conversion that will ultimately turn our society away from abortion. That spiritual change will then be reflected in the political realm, as elected officials will recognize the will of the people and respond accordingly to protect the life of every human – born and pre-born.”