?There are many faithful Christians in the country,? said Robert Colquhoun, 40 Days for Life?s international outreach coordinator, ?but pro-life activism is at a very early stage in Latvia?s post-communist era. Independence only came around 25 years ago.?

He recently visited the 40 Days for Life campaign in Riga, Latvia?s capital.

Janis Lulle, the local coordinator, has pledged more public witness here for the future and recognizes where this campaign can grow. ?For many,? Robert said, ?the concept of public witness post-communism is a tricky one and certainly very counter cultural, against the national temperament.?

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Latvia?s population is around 2 million, and there are around 5,000 abortions reported every year. ?We had a prayer procession around the hospital,? Robert said, ?and returned to the church where there is a memorial to unborn children outside.?

One volunteer spoke of her own abortion experience and desired to speak more about it publicly in future. ?She said she wished she had known about our message,? he said, ?as she was almost forced into abortion by doctors and family for medical reasons and wished she was stronger to reject their insistence. We prayed with her, and also recommended post-abortion healing and resources.?

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David Brandao, COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR

With 40 Days for Life, David wears many hats. Prior to joining the 40 Days for Life team, he was an award-winning radio and TV journalist. He has also served as a board member for a pregnancy help center and as publications director for a major national pro-life organization.