John,

It would be nice to think that society has evolved beyond the genocides of the 20th century, but eugenics is back in a big way.

"Leaders report that many more Spanish-speaking women are entering abortion facilities than ever before," said our outreach director, former Planned Parenthood manager Ramona Trevino.

40 Days for Life isn't about to let the abortion industry prey upon minority populations without a response.

Ramona is traveling all over America to engage Latino communities. She's developed a presentation to help 40 Days for Life leaders attending our regional training workshops effectively recruit Spanish-speaking participants.

Ramona has also been on the road visiting 40 Days for Life campaigns and giving presentations to English- and Spanish-speaking audiences alike.

Recently, Ramona visited Rochester, Minnesota, where she provided both English and Spanish talks to groups of more than 50 campaign participants each.

The Spanish session led two bilingual team members to step up and assist Margaret, the local campaign leader, with Latino outreach. After the event, another bilingual woman approached Margaret in the parking lot to offer help.

"We know that the abortion industry targets immigrants," Ramona said. "Education and outreach to these vulnerable populations is so important."

Catonsville, Maryland

Kim attended our Philadelphia leader workshop last month and set a goal of recruiting at least five Hispanic pro-lifers to her vigil.

To achieve this goal, she worked with a Spanish-speaking priest to hold a special Mass. After that Mass, she did her best to communicate in Spanish to invite people to sign up to pray.

Her efforts are bearing fruit!

"I don't think the new Hispanic people knew about the abortion center previously," Kim said. "Hopefully, this is the first inroad into the local Spanish-speaking community."

Asheville, North Carolina

Shae is leading her first 40 Days for Life campaign, and it's a bilingual effort.

"We spent an hour this afternoon in prayer, friendship, and peaceful witnessing to the sacredness of life outside Asheville's Planned Parenthood abortion facility," she said. "We prayed in Spanish and in English [and we sang]."

And inclement weather doesn't stop them. "We are praying, rain or shine!" she continued.

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