Alaskans from all walks of life are continuing to gather outside of the Planned Parenthood abortion clinics in Anchorage and Soldotna to peacefully pray for unborn babies and to help mothers choose life. The prayer vigils, which run through April 5, are part of an international campaign by the group 40 Days for Life. Each fall, for the past 14 years thousands have gathered outside of hundreds of abortion clinics across the country.

The goal is to have at least two people praying outside the abortion clinic — in hour intervals — 24 hours a day for 40 days.

More than 65 million unborn babies have been destroyed surgically with suction, forceps or scissors — and chemically, with cocktails of powerful hormones over the past 45 years.
According to state records, more than 1,500 abortions occur annually in Alaska. Many take place at the Anchorage Planned Parenthood on Lake Otis Parkway. Nationally Planned Parenthood is the country’s largest abortion provider.

Abortion – which is legal in the U.S. through all nine months of pregnancy and for virtually any reason – is a big business.
In the 40 Days for Life prayer vigil, participants pray and fast for the end to abortion. The goal is to have at least two people praying outside the abortion clinic — in hour intervals — 24 hours a day for 40 days.

While they pray, some participants hold signs with positive messages, such as “Pray to end abortion” and “Life is beautiful.”

Over the past 14 campaigns, national organizers have reported that more than 1 million people have prayed at nearly 7,000 abortion clinics across the globe.

In its 14 years, 40 Days for Life reports that 16,742 babies are known to have been saved during the prayer vigils.

Participants in 40 Days for Life sign a “Statement of Peace,” in which they commit to “show compassion and reflect Christ’s love to all,” including the abortion facility customers and employees. They also agree to obey the law and cooperate with local authorities. In Anchorage, participants stay on the public sidewalk along Lake Otis. If the abortion clinic clients approach them and engage in conversation, volunteers are ready to talk.

Some commit to pray an hour at the abortion clinic before work, while the homebound pray or fast from a distance. Others join the vigil for a few minutes.
Since launching in 2008, 40 Days for Life reports that 16,742 babies are known to have been saved during the prayer vigils, 196 abortion workers have quit their jobs in the abortion industry and 106 abortion facilities closed after the campaigns.

The vigils are taking place outside the Planned Parenthood abortion clinic on Lake Otis Parkway in Anchorage and outside the Planned Parenthood clinic in Soldotna (130 E Redoubt Ave).

Click here to find out more about the event in Anchorage. Click here to find out about the event in Soldotna.

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