40 Days for Life Reaches Halfway Point; Planned Parenthood Now in C...( WASHINGTON Oct. 16 -- I would h...),Health

WASHINGTON, Oct. 16 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- "I would have never guessed that some of the best advertising for the nationwide program of pro-life prayer vigils would come from Planned Parenthood, the largest abortion chain in the United States," said David Bereit, national campaign director for 40 Days for Life.

"People in more than 80 communities are taking part in 40 Days for Life, and about half of the vigils are being conducted outside Planned Parenthood facilities," he said. "It seems that's where the prayers of average people around the country are having their greatest impact." Today marks the 21st day of 40 Days for Life.

Planned Parenthood's national office is circulating an e-mail alert to abortion advocates around the country, calling for their financial help to fight back against 40 Days for Life. The message attempts to mischaracterize the peaceful intentions of those who have gathered to pray. "Right now," writes Planned Parenthood CEO Cecile Richards, "there are picketers outside clinics all across the country in an attempt to restrict women's access to health care services."

"Planned Parenthood is investing quite a bit of energy in response to 40 Days for Life," said Bereit. "Would they do this if the campaign wasn't hurting their business and tarnishing their public image? We're hearing story after story outlining the dramatic impact of the 40 Days for Life effort."

-- In Indianapolis, Indiana, the Planned Parenthood facility has been

closed on Saturday, a day it usually offers abortions.

-- In Pensacola, Florida, a local abortion facility has been closed for

three weeks.

-- In El Paso, Texas, 12 babies have been saved from abortion.

-- In Sacramento, California, there have been 600 participants in the

continuous vigil.

-- In Charleston, South Carolina, 48 babies have been saved and one of

the abortion workers asked for a bible and took it into the clini
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