John,

Midterm elections are right around the corner here in the states...

...and in the first post-Roe election, abortion is the hottest of hot-button topics, polarizing voters like no other issue.

But that wasn’t always the case.

In fact, it’s a bit of a fluke that the Democrats have a staunchly pro-abortion platform and the GOP has a pro-life platform. This week on The 40 Days for Life Podcast, we trace the fascinating politicization of abortion in America:

40daysforlife.com/how-abortion-became-political

In this episode, we'll share the largely unknown history of abortion and partisan politics in America, including how:

• President Joe Biden once voted for a constitutional amendment to overturn Roe v. Wade;
  
  
• Nixon's Watergate scandal indirectly led to a seismic shift in the Republican Party's approach to abortion;
  
  
• Bill Clinton's mantra that abortion should be "safe, legal, and rare" led to the silencing of pro-life Democrats--and ultimately a demand that abortion be legal, on demand, and taxpayer-funded.

If you're an American citizen, it is critical to vote pro-life on November 8.

But while politicians often let you down, Jesus never will. Whether you live in a red state, a blue state, or a purple state, you can save lives from abortion by signing up to pray at your local 40 Days for Life vigil:

40daysforlife.com/location

Overland Park, Kansas

Larry in Overland Park, Kansas, was standing vigil during the fall 2013 40 Days for Life campaign when a woman approached him to talk.

She was 19 weeks pregnant and abortion-minded. Larry's wife, Wendy, the Overland Park campaign leader, met up with the woman for lunch and helped empower her to choose life.

That woman's daughter is now eight years old!

Wendy and another vigil participant have remained long-term friends with the woman--and just recently attended her wedding.

"It's a wonderful thing to be a part of women's lives years after they make a crucial decision for life!" Wendy said.

Nashville, Tennessee

The overturning of Roe v. Wade put an end to surgical abortions in Nashville, but vigil participants continue to pray for the final closure of their local Planned Parenthood facility.

More than 50 pro-lifers held a "Jericho March" around Planned Parenthood to pray it out of business.

"No more surgical abortions occur," said Marilyn, who leads the Nashville campaign. "But many immoral practices continue in our city. We will not stop 40 Days for Life until we are totally pro-life and pro-family!"

Your eyes saw my substance, being yet unformed. And in Your book they all were written, the days fashioned for me, when as yet there were none of them.

--Psalm 139:16

Gracious God, help us to appreciate the wonder and beauty of Your creation. Help us proclaim on behalf of every one of our fellow human beings, "I am fearfully and wonderfully made." May the knowledge that we are intimately known by You shape our lives and actions.

See today's full devotional

For life,

Shawn Carney
President/CEO, 40 Days for Life