John,

The first reported baby saved during this fall's 40 Days for Life campaign was in Illinois...and so was the second.

Even in communities where ending abortion politically is a non-starter, prayer saves lives!

"The Flossmoor campaign had one [saved baby]," reported Rich, the Flossmoor campaign leader.

A sidewalk counselor walked an abortion-bound mother to the pregnancy help center next door to Planned Parenthood. "She was counseled and decided to give her baby a new lease on life," Rich added.

That's not the only victory in Flossmoor.

A post-abortive mother approached vigil participants and said that she had an abortion 25 years ago. A quarter-century later, the abortion still hurt--especially since it contributed to infertility and a broken marriage.

Prayer warriors directed her, too, to the pregnancy help center, where she received counseling and grief support...

"She is now considering joining [us] and participating in helping other women not make the same mistake she made," Rich said.

Sarasota, Florida

Three generations showed up at the Planned Parenthood mega-facility in Sarasota--an abortion client, her mother, and her young daughter.

While the abortion-minded woman said she was only there for a blood sugar test, Kathie knew Wednesday was abortion day and suggested a free ultrasound at a nearby pregnancy help center.

The expectant mother went in for her appointment anyway...but when it was time to leave, she suddenly reversed course, allowed Kathie to accompany her to the pregnancy center for an ultrasound, and chose life!

"The grandmother thanked me," Kathie reported. "I told them what a blessing they had with the baby and the older daughter. They seemed happy."

Milwaukee, Wisconsin

While politicians argue that late-term abortion doesn't happen, vigil participants in Milwaukee met a woman about to enter her third trimester--and about to enter the abortion facility!

She said she already had children and "just couldn't afford one more child."

Abortions are not legal in Wisconsin after 20 weeks' gestation--at least for now--and fortunately the expectant mother decided NOT to travel out of state.

"She said she would place the child for adoption," wrote Dan, the longtime Milwaukee campaign leader.

All who heard these things took them to heart, saying, "What, then, will this child be?" For surely the hand of the Lord was with him.

--Luke 1:66

Lord, instill confidence and hope in every child. Help all children to grow up to see the purpose for which you made them. Give parents the wisdom and understanding to see the needs of each child and to nurture each child’s talents for your glory alone.

For life,

Shawn Carney

President & CEO, 40 Days for Life