In Wisconsin, the number of unborn children killed by abortion continues to decline. Last year, our state again experienced a drop in the number of abortions from the previous year.
The number of abortions was 8,229. Although that is still too many, it does represent a 62 percent decrease from the all-time high of 21,754 performed in 1980, reported Wisconsin Right to Life.
In addition, Wisconsin’s abortion rate — the number of abortions performed per 1,000 women of childbearing age — is seven. The national abortion rate is 19.5. Wisconsin’s abortion ratio — the number of abortions per 100 live births — is 11. The national abortion ratio is 24.
Better chance of survival in Wisconsin
An unborn baby has a much better chance of survival in Wisconsin than in many other parts of the country. This is true partly because our state has laws and programs which discourage abortion, help pregnant women, and support families with children.
Among these laws are those which inform pregnant women of their choices and involve parents and guardians when a pregnant girl seeks an abortion. Wisconsin also provides safe haven for newborns, allowing mothers to drop their babies off at a hospital within three days of birth.
Our state also has public and private programs which provide assistance to pregnant women and new parents. There are maternity homes, shelters, pregnancy centers, and hotlines offering plenty of support. Many churches and nonprofit organizations also come to the assistance of parents in need.
More work to be done
Pro-life organizations on local, county, and state levels are also doing their part to push for legislation and policies that promote life. Public relations campaigns have helped make pregnant women aware of options available for them to choose life for their unborn babies.
However, more work needs to be done. Even after many months of protests, the Madison Surgery Center may soon be offering late-term abortions.
There must be vigilance, too, to make sure health care reform on a national level does not mandate abortions or take away conscience protection from health care workers.
New 40 Days for Life campaign
One of the efforts that continues to help bring hope to unborn children is the 40 Days for Life campaign. It encourages people to pray and fast to end abortion, along with providing a pro-life witness outside abortion clinics.
The next 40 Days for Life campaign begins September 23 and concludes on November 1. The campaign will be held in more than 200 cities and in 45 states, five Canadian provinces, and the country of Denmark. Madison will again be one of the sites.
“There will be campaigns in at least 212 communities,” said David Bereit, 40 Days for Life national director. “Last fall’s campaign was conducted in 177 cities. This shows that support for the pro-life message is spreading — and that 40 Days for Life continues to have a positive international impact.”
Here are some of the successes reported by 40 Days for Life:
• Documented that 1,561 lives have been spared from abortion — and those are just the ones known.
• Eighteen abortion workers have quit their jobs and walked away from the abortion industry.
• Three abortion facilities completely shut down following local 40 Days for Life campaigns.
• Hundreds of women and men have been spared from the tragic effects of abortion, including a lifetime of regrets.
• More than 400 news stories have been featured in newspapers, magazines, radio shows, and TV programs from coast to coast and overseas.
• Many people with past abortion experiences have begun post-abortion healing and recovery.
After so many years of legalized abortion, many people of faith are experiencing a renewed sense of hope.
In Madison, 40 Days for Life is in desperate need of help. Please prayerfully consider joining in this 40-day constant prayer vigil at Planned Parenthood (3706 Orin Rd. in Madison). If you need more information or want to consult the vigil calendar, visit www.vigilforlife.org A series of daily devotions are also available online and by e-mail. If you can’t be present physically, consider joining in prayer during these 40 days to bring hope to more unborn children.