John,

Abortion providers are not safe for women or for their babies.

Tragically, they are often safe for sexual predators. Former Planned Parenthood manager Ramona Trevino remembers being asked to help cover up sexual abuse of minors at the abortion chain's Plano, Texas, location.

"I was instructed to change the age of the sexual partners of minors to avoid having to report cases of statutory rape or sexual abuse," she recalled.

Ramona recently returned to the Plano Planned Parenthood--this time to help kick off the city's 40 Days for Life campaign as our director of outreach.

"I'll never forget the first time I volunteered to pray at this location with 40 Days for Life," Ramona said. "My former co-worker saw me there praying and then messaged me via Facebook to call me a hypocrite to try to deter me from going out to the sidewalk."

And for good reason. The Plano Planned Parenthood is located at a very busy intersection, providing prayer warriors with a massive opportunity for public outreach. One young abortion supporter approached the vigil to have a conversation about abortion--and even to pray with the vigil participants!

"The conversation was peaceful and respectful," Ramona noted. "It just further proves that our presence really does have an impact on those who see us."

40 Days for Life kickoff events are continuing through the weekend!

Providence, Rhode Island

The Providence campaign's community outreach efforts are paying dividends, resulting in a successful kickoff rally.

"We saw more young people come out this time and people from different ethnicities and churches," wrote Lydia from the Providence campaign team. "Children were leading the way and carrying the banner. It was really exciting to see."

But that's not even the best news. Providence is a 40 Days for Life 365 city, and prayer warriors recently reported seven saved babies in one month!

It also appears the community is warming to the pro-life presence--and that's a big deal in New England!

"A girl...thanked us for marching," Lydia recalled. "Another lady stopped and asked questions, saying she hopes to make it to the sidewalk. ... We saw more positive feedback from passersby than negative, which is something to celebrate in Rhode Island!"

West Covina, California

Our campaign director, Steve Karlen, recently visited West Covina, where 2018 40 Days for Life Leader of the Year Yvonne has led dozens of 40 Days for Life vigils.

Her campaign is off to another great start. At the kickoff event, Glendy--the campaign leader in nearby El Monte--shared a powerful story about a mom who canceled her abortion appointment even after learning her baby had a severe and life-limiting diagnosis.

A pro-life doctor helped encourage her to choose life, and her baby lived for 40 days after birth before passing away.

"[The mother] was with him until his last breath," Glendy said. "She wants her baby's life to be remembered."

And how does this happen to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? For at the moment the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the infant in my womb leaped for joy.

--Luke 1:43-44

Lord, help us renew our gratitude for the joy that each child brings into our lives. We ask you to bless, keep, and cause your face to shine upon all unborn children--especially those with disabilities. Give parents supernatural strength and overwhelming support from their community to care for their child with special needs. Amen.

For life,

Shawn Carney

President & CEO, 40 Days for Life