John,

Recently, a federal judge blocked enforcement of The Texas Heartbeat Act, which prohibits abortions after a fetal heartbeat can be detected.

And then a higher federal court reinstated the law...at least for now.

While the Heartbeat Act's future is uncertain, one thing is clear: right now, it's saving lives.

Vigil participants in Houston met a woman who wanted an abortion--but was told by the abortion doctor she could not get one in Texas.

"We had a chance to talk with her about the assistance we offer," said Theresa, the local 40 Days for Life leader. "She left with a blanket and said she is now happy to have her baby."

Theresa estimates that the Heartbeat Act saves between 90 - 124 lives every week at her location.

"Planned Parenthood has claimed for years that abortions are only 3 percent of their services," she noted. "It is interesting how few cars have been in the Planned Parenthood parking lot...it would appear that the client drop is far more than 3 percent."

Wichita, Kansas

Tori in Wichita reports that some Texas women are coming all the way to Kansas to have abortions.

But she and her team are there to provide hope and help.

"One of our volunteers reached out to a mom and significant other with Texas plates heading into Planned Parenthood," Tori said. "Our volunteer was able to get them to a pregnancy resource center, [which] opened their doors for the young family."

The mother confirmed her pregnancy and scheduled an ultrasound.

"She hugged our volunteer and was very happy," Tori noted.

Tyler, Texas

Two prayer warriors waved at a young mother exiting Planned Parenthood.

"I'm keeping it!" she announced, smiling and patting her stomach.

Vigil participants clapped and cheered for the beaming mother.

Sally in Tyler had an encounter with a mother and daughter who questioned her pro-life convictions. Fortunately, Sally was prepared.

"They brought up nearly every argument covered in What to Say When, which, luckily, I just finished reading last week," Sally noted. "If I had not read that book, I would have really struggled."

I have come that they might have life and have it more abundantly.

— John 10:10

Heavenly Father, You are the author of life and all that is good. Thank You for the gift of Your Son, Jesus, and the promise of eternal life in Him. We humbly ask You to bless and protect all women carrying new life in their wombs. Fill them with a motherly love beyond measure. Be close to those facing an unexpected pregnancy. Give them strength and courage to overcome every trial. Give all mothers grace and tenderness to embrace their children as precious gifts. Through Your Holy Spirit, grant us all fullness of life in you. We make this prayer in the name of Your beloved Son, Jesus. Amen.

See today's full devotional

For life,

Shawn Carney
President/CEO, 40 Days for Life