John,

The abortion debate isn't a matter of whether to prioritize women or their babies. Abortion hurts them both!

A woman passing by the 40 Days for Life vigil in Mount Vernon, Washington, stopped to share that she had an abortion several years earlier. When a prayer warrior assured her that God forgives sins--even abortion--the woman began crying and hugged the vigil participant.

"The woman was very grateful to hear those words after all this time!" said Tracey, the local campaign leader. "Encounters like this demonstrate how important it is that we are there!"

It's a blessing to celebrate milestones like the 25,000th baby saved from abortion at a 40 Days for Life vigil--but not everything that counts can be counted. How do you measure the impact of a heart healed from abortion?

A recent and underreported development is that women are now seeking healing after abortion much more quickly than in years past.

Rather than suffering for years and decades, many are coming forward just weeks or months--or even days--after their abortions.

Steve Karlen investigates this surprising and encouraging phenomenon in the next issue of Day 41 magazine. U.S. residents can get their FREE subscription by signing up at:

40daysforlife.com/magazine

Moorhead, Minnesota

Bonnie was standing vigil back in 2012 when she witnessed a man desperately try to save his baby from abortion.

"His charging into the building and being thrown out twice while crying out in so much pain is something you don't forget," Bonnie recalled.

But the man didn't forget his encounter with Bonnie either. He recently stopped by her 40 Days for Life vigil to share how he remains haunted by the abortion more than a decade later.

Bonnie was ready. She shared with him information about post-abortion men's groups to help him work through the grief and forgive both himself and the mother of his aborted baby.

"He was very thankful for the information," Bonnie added. "I hope he finds peace soon."

Tyler, Texas

A city employee working on a project near the Tyler Planned Parenthood gave Lars a thumbs-up and asked whether they could talk.

"He walked over and said there was something he wanted to share," Lars explained. "When he was 17 years old, he got his girlfriend pregnant. He wanted to have the baby, but his girlfriend's parents demanded she get an abortion. She got the abortion."

The loss of his child devastated the man, who has carried guilt and a sense of isolation for the last two decades.

"We talked about God being a forgiving God," Lars continued. I gave him some information on [a ministry] for men who have suffered a loss due to abortion. He was very appreciative, and I hope I was somewhat helpful in his recovery journey."

When he returned to his disciples he found them asleep. He said to Peter, "So you could not keep watch with me for one hour? Watch and pray that you may not undergo the test. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak."

--Matthew 26:40-41

Most sweet Jesus, my heart aches for your suffering and loneliness in the garden of Gethsemane. Let me never fall asleep again when you so lovingly ask for my company. When I feel alone and afraid, remind me that you are with me and that you feel the pain that I feel. Keep me close to you on this 40-day journey and strengthen me through your blood and tears.

For life,

Shawn Carney

President & CEO, 40 Days for Life