News from 40 Days for Life National revealed that less than a week into the vigil, which started on September 25, already 26 babies were known to be saved by the witness of pro-life volunteers.
In Madison, 40 Days for Life volunteers have seen many turn-aways (young women or couples who have left Planned Parenthood without going through with their appointment and have either gone across the street to the Women’s Care Center or just left the area).
This happened after volunteers were seen praying and peacefully witnessing for life and telling about the support and free services available at the Women’s Care Center near Planned Parenthood.
Lowest abortion numbers since Roe v. Wade
Efforts like these are no doubt one of the reasons why the Alan Guttmacher Institute (the research arm of Planned Parenthood) recently released their latest report on abortion numbers in the United States, showing that abortions are at the lowest level than they’ve been since the 1973 Roe v. Wade decision legalizing abortion.
Guttmacher reported that the number of abortions in 2017 (the last year for which numbers are available) was 862,320 cross the country, down seven percent from their last report in 2014 when the reported number of abortions was 926,190.
Rachel Jones, a research scientist with the Guttmacher Institute, said that the reason for this decline “means fewer people became pregnant, not that individuals chose or were made to give birth rather than to have an abortion.”
Pro-life efforts help
Pro-life organizations disputed this view. Heather Weininger, executive director of Wisconsin Right to Life, commented, “The fact is that state legislation, like that supported by Wisconsin Right to Life, creates discussion about abortion. It exposes the brutality of the procedure and the destruction it causes. The more people know the truth, the more they choose life. The new Guttmacher numbers proved it.”
Pro-life organizations are also reaching out to help pregnant women and all parents. For example, Pregnancy Helpline of Madison gives material support and compassionate care to women, men, and families before, during, and after pregnancy.
The Women’s Care Center in Madison provides free, confidential counseling, support, and education to women facing unplanned pregnancies. In 32 centers in 11 states, it serves about 28,000 women each year.
Care Net Pregnancy Center of Dane County has launched a mobile healthcare clinic providing free services for women.
Many of our Catholic parishes are involved in these and other pro-life efforts. Babies are indeed being saved.
Respect Life Month
The U.S. Catholic Church sets aside October as Respect Life month to bring special attention to all life issues. The theme this year is “Christ Our Hope: In Every Season of Life.” There is a packet of materials and resources available at https://www.respectlife.org/october
Especially during October — and extending throughout the year — I encourage everyone to step up efforts to pray and work for respect for life at every stage of development.