Virginia Beach, Virginia

“What an encouraging day!” said a 40 Days for Life team member in Virginia Beach.

The abortionist didn’t show up at Planned Parenthood … and a young woman who came for an initial appointment chose life for her baby instead.

A volunteer who usually comes to pray on Fridays was at the vigil on Wednesday, where she met a woman who was on her way to Planned Parenthood for a pre-abortion appointment.

However, she was half an hour late for her appointment, so Planned Parenthood sent her away. The young woman was instead invited to visit the mobile pregnancy resource center – and she did!

This mother was moved by the fetal model set … and began to understand that abortion is wrong.

“She’s coming back for an ultrasound,” the 40 Days for Life team member said. “She said she can’t wait to see her baby’s heart beating. Who is showing up to pray tomorrow? Will you?”

DAY 7: Abortion is personal

We take abortion personally … because every abortion impacts all of of humanity.

The people who understand this the most are the real heroes of 40 Days for Life — the local campaign leaders. These selfless people sacrifice their time and comfort to lead local vigils … from Los Angeles to Hong Kong to Charleston to Auckland to Boston.

They all know the impact of abortion … and for some of them, it’s even more deeply personal.

Here’s an example from one of the newest 40 Days for Life leaders.

Centralia, Washington

The local newspaper in Centralia ran an article about 40 Days for Life and Caroline Bowes, the 20-year-old first-time director of the local campaign.

Caroline (on the left in this photo), her sisters Valerie and Victoria and her brother Kyle are quadruplets.

But if their parents had listened to the doctors when their mom was pregnant, there would have only been two babies instead of four. The doctors said they were concerned about her mother’s safety and recommended abortion.

“My parents knew that God would provide for them, so they chose life,” she told the newspaper.

As for the vigil itself, Caroline says it’s making an impact, which she’s seen while standing in the rain praying with others.