John,

The Texas Heartbeat Act took effect in the Lone Star State this month.

The new law prohibits abortion once an unborn baby's heartbeat can be detected...and it's already having a tangible impact at 40 Days for Life vigil sites throughout Texas.

"Two abortion-minded women came to us after their baby was protected through the Texas Heartbeat Act," wrote Theresa, the 40 Days for Life leader in Houston. "One is happy to have her baby now. One...has not confirmed she wants to carry but has been told by an abortionist that she legally cannot get an abortion."

That mom is getting medical assistance from a pro-life doctor. If she ultimately keeps her baby, it would make her the 9th mom to choose life--in one day at the Houston vigil site.

The Texas Heartbeat Act is generating headlines around the world.

But what is it? How does it work? And will it survive a multitude of legal challenges?

Recently, 40 Days for Life General Counsel Matt Britton joined The 40 Days for Life Podcast to break it all down. Tune in for Matt's hope-filled analysis by visiting:

40daysforlife.com/texas-heartbeat-act-end-abortion

Dallas, Texas

Annette in Dallas reported a baby spared from abortion the first hour of the vigil!

"A young woman and her grandmother stopped to talk to one of the sidewalk counselors in front of Planned Parenthood in South Dallas," Annette said. "After a few minutes of conversation, all three agreed that she should keep her baby!"

By the end of a six-hour shift on the sidewalk, that same sidewalk counselor saved another baby by sharing resources available to help the family with two born children.

"She knew in her heart that she didn’t want to abort her baby," Annette continued. "She just felt alone and desperate."

Syracuse, New York

Prayer warriors in New York face a dramatically different legislative environment compared with Texas...

...but their enthusiasm is not diminished. "Our opening prayer service was beautiful," wrote Jeanie, the longtime leader in Syracuse. "These incredible faith-filled warriors are some of the kindest people you'll ever meet."

Jeanie said two pastors led participants in prayer...plus, a priest who was ordained 71 years ago closed the event by praying from his car.

"We are expecting miracles," Jeanie said. "Come, Holy Spirit!"

The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, because He has anointed Me to preach the gospel to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed.

—Luke 4:18-19

Lord, send us to the poorest, the most broken, the most captive, the most blind and the most oppressed in the world, the innocent pre-born children in their mothers' wombs that are scheduled for destruction. Help us to bring them healing, liberty, sight and justice through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen.

See today's full devotional

For life,

Shawn Carney
President/CEO, 40 Days for Life