Washington, DC (LifeNews.com) -- The organizers of the 40 Days for Life campaign say their joint effort with Silent No More, a national group for women who have had abortions and regret their decision, was a success. Shawn Carney tells LifeNews.com he is hearing stories of how it was a positive impact for participants and their communities.
"Women -- and men -- who've experienced abortion stepped forward with signs reading 'I regret my abortion' and 'I regret lost fatherhood,'" he said.
"The need for post-abortion healing increases every day, but so does the invitation for hope and healing after the abortion," he added.
One of the main problems women experience after an abortion is a disconnect in their relationship with God and their church. That is something Carney said the event helped renew.
"It's an important step towards showing that there is healing after abortion and there is redemption in the merciful grace of Jesus Christ," he said.
In Charlotte, North Carolina, several people shared their stories.
"It was one of the most special times of prayer that I have ever experienced," said Katherine Hearn, one of the local leaders in Charlotte.
"Of those that came," she said, "some had never been to an abortion clinic to pray and some had never publicly acknowledged their past abortion. One of those that came to stand and hold her sign had never told her son about this previous abortion; this gathering provided that opportunity."
A similar event in Indianapolis featured the testimony of Alveda King -- the niece of Martin Luther King, Jr. -- who has had an abortion but now speaks out for protecting human life.
"She was among six women and three men who proclaimed -- outside the largest abortion center in Indiana -- that they would be silent no more," said local 40 Days for Life coordinator Eileen Hartman.
Janet in Augusta, Maine asks for prayers for two young women who spoke to 40 Days for Life vigil participants. One of the girls said she'd had an abortion. She said she would not have been able to take care of the baby because she couldn't even take care of herself.
"We told her we are not there to condemn her and God loves her. There are many families that would love to adopt children and this is an option," Janet said.
Related web sites:
40 Days for Life - http://40daysforlife.com