John,

Planned Parenthood's website tells pregnant women that its "expert and caring staff will discuss all of your pregnancy options with you to help you make sure abortion is the best decision for you."

But what the abortion industry calls "counseling" is often just heavy-handed sales tactics.

An expectant mother in Concord, California, recently overcame those tactics to keep her baby.

"They offered her grants so it would be free for her to have an abortion," explained Marlene, the local campaign leader. "When she told them she wanted to keep her baby, they sent her away...with a printout of where to go [elsewhere] for prenatal care."

That printout wasn't particularly helpful given that the woman does not know how to read.

Vigil participants had much more to offer her, as they helped her apply for a state health insurance program and schedule her first prenatal visit. A 40 Days for Life volunteer will accompany her to that appointment.

Vigil participants are also making plans to help the mom learn to read and write.

"This is not the first woman during this vigil that they have sent packing when she said she didn't want an abortion," Marlene said. "We had two more similar cases."

Hempstead, New York

Colette on Long Island met an expectant mother who had NO interest in abortion...but that didn't stop Planned Parenthood from trying.

"The woman [was] not abortion-minded," wrote a pro-life counselor. "But she mentioned how Planned Parenthood said, 'Are you sure you want to keep it? We can help you if you want to interrupt it.'"

"It used to be 'terminate'…now it's 'interrupt!'" noted Michael, the Hempstead leader.

While Michael heads up the 40 Days for Life vigil in his community, he also participates in the Manhattan vigil...and just saved a baby at that location too!

Yacuiba, Bolivia

The abortion industry often gets help pushing its product from friends and family members of abortion-vulnerable women.

Luisa's 40 Days for Life T-shirt drew the attention of an expectant mother who was under serious pressure from both her own mother and her husband to have an abortion.

But after some encouragement and five days of prayer, the mother found peace in continuing her pregnancy.

"She decided not to return to her mother so as not to receive more pressure and defended the baby to her husband," said 40 Days for Life director of Latin American campaigns Lourdes Varela. "The husband accepted the pregnancy, and Luisa will continue to support the mom."

Father, forgive them, they know not what they do.

--Luke 23:34

Lord, we pray that you might help us to look with mercy upon those who seek to advance the evil of abortion. We ask that you lead them to a sincere conversion of heart. And we pray that you might help them to see the grace imbued in every soul and embrace the beauty that every child brings to the world. Amen.

For life,

Shawn Carney
President/CEO, 40 Days for Life