John,

With Americans now free to protect unborn children in the post-Roe era, some states have ended abortion, some have kept it legal...

...and some are aggressively working to increase abortion!

New Mexico--already known as the "late-term abortion capital of the world"--and Colorado are two states that have dropped even the most basic abortion restrictions while marketing themselves as "abortion destinations" to women in pro-life states who find themselves facing crisis pregnancies.

That's the bad news. But pro-lifers in abortion-friendly states shouldn't be discouraged.

Nearly half of all the abortion facilities to close their doors forever following a 40 Days for Life campaign were located in pro-abortion states.

Recently, 40 Days for Life general counsel Matt Britton made a tour of the Southwest to rally and encourage vigil participants. Here's his report from the road.

Santa Fe, New Mexico

Priests for Life national director Fr. Frank Pavone joined Matt for his visits in "The Land of Enchantment."

At the event, they met Jennifer, who powerfully shared that she had two abortions--but is now praying and working to end abortion.

She described how abortion supporters told her, "It's OK. ...It's not really a kid. ...You should have an abortion."

But it wasn't that simple. Jennifer said, "The hardest part is forgiving yourself."

Matt also caught up with 4040 Scholarship winner Sister Mary Gianna.

After narrowly surviving the Columbine school shooting, Sister Mary Gianna struggled with hopelessness...until she met the Lord. Her conversion led her to desire that all people embrace life--so she prayed for someone to launch a 40 Days for Life vigil in Santa Fe, and...

...a week later, a woman came to her office and announced she was going to bring the campaign to Santa Fe!

Albuquerque, New Mexico

The Albuquerque 40 Days for Life vigil is conducted in front of a Planned Parenthood abortion facility. However, in the hopes of adding a second location, the local leadership team held a rally with Matt and Fr. Pavone in front of the notorious Southwestern Women's Options abortion facility.

"This is the site of the infamous late-term abortionist Curtis Boyd, who claims over 250,000 abortions!" Matt explained.

Cortez, Colorado

Shockingly, the Cortez Planned Parenthood is located beneath a child advocacy center.

Fortunately, 40 Days for Life volunteers are calling attention to the contradiction.

"We had a great vigil visit," Matt said. "One of the local Christian churches hosted my talk. The pastor is very pro-life and is trying to rally the other 27 Christian churches to join the 40 Days for Life mission."

Afterward, attendees met at Planned Parenthood to pray together.

And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.

—John 1:14

Heavenly Father, I thank you for your love and saving grace in Christ Jesus. Help us to realize every day the great blessing we have in our Savior. I pray that we will rise every morning with excitement and zeal, looking forward to walking another day in your footsteps, fully knowing that you continue to dwell among us.

See today's full devotional

For life,

Shawn Carney
President/CEO, 40 Days for Life