John,

It's been a rough few years for the abortion industry--and there are few places where it's been tougher than Iowa.

A decade and a half ago, the Hawkeye State looked like an abortion powerhouse. Then the late Sue Thayer led a 40 Days for Life campaign that closed the Planned Parenthood she used to manage, and the abortion industry has been in a free fall ever since.

Nine of the 149 abortion facilities to close their doors following a 40 Days for Life campaign were located in Iowa...even with a state law that would protect unborn children tied up in the courts.

40 Days for Life campaign director Steve Karlen recently visited Iowa City and saw firsthand: The situation is so dire, the abortion facility located next to the University of Iowa campus is trying to raise funds off of 40 Days for Life.

The "pledge-a-picketer" cash-grab is pathetic, but it's not even abortion advocates' most embarrassing stunt.

"There were actually abortion supporters standing on the abortion facility's property to protest the 40 Days for Life vigil," Steve reported. "Pro-abortion picketers blaring loud, obnoxious music might be desirable for an abortion rally--but the circus atmosphere definitely doesn't create a welcoming environment for paying customers."

While the spectacle probably deters abortion-vulnerable women from entering the facility, it did not discourage 40 Days for Life prayer warriors from showing up to pray and to do Sidewalk Outreach.

A large group--including numerous students--turned out for both the vigil and a 40 Days for Life rally at a nearby campus church.

"With dedication like this, it's easy to see why Iowa's abortion industry is circling the drain," Steve added.

Washington State

Planned Parenthood of Greater Washington and North Idaho is also attempting to raise funds off of 40 Days for Life with its own fundraising campaign.

"When you Pledge a Protester, your donation will counter the efforts of anti-choice extremists by using their presence to garner support for Planned Parenthood," reads an email from the affiliate CEO.

But the attempt to discourage 40 Days for Life participation is having the opposite effect.

"They are still trying to make money off of our vigils," wrote Lynnwood campaign leader Rebecca. "That means the vigil is making a difference! Thanks be to God!"

The Tacoma 40 Days for Life team concurred. "If this were not so pathetic it would be funny," the campaign wrote. "Seems we are making a difference...and we are undeniably saving babies!"

Overland Park, Kansas

A woman who had an appointment across the street from the Overland Park vigil approached campaign volunteers and shared that she'd like to join them in prayer.

She stayed for two hours!

"Even though she had never been to the sidewalk before, she took a sign and stood with us," said Wendy, the campaign leader. "She was so happy to be with us, and we were very blessed by her."

Jesus told him, "Have sight; your faith has saved you."

—Luke 18:42

Dear Lord, give us the courage to pray for miraculous healings of body and soul. Extend your mercy to mothers and fathers who have experienced miscarriage. Grant them the peace of your son, and help them to rest in the assurance that they will one day be reunited with their precious children. Amen.

For life,

Shawn Carney
President/CEO, 40 Days for Life