John,

Until November, Planned Parenthood had won EVERY time abortion was on the ballot in the post-Roe era.

And then Florida voters rejected an amendment to enshrine abortion in their constitution, proving that pro-abortion referenda can be beaten.

I recently visited some of the heroes responsible for defeating the amendment--and for saving countless babies from abortion on the streets--when I spoke at a 40 Days for Life event in Sarasota.

2023 Sue Thayer Leader of the Year Award winner Rich brought together a crowd of more than 120 participants for an electric rally.

I was privileged to honor Rich's predecessor, Jeanne, who led the first 40 Days for Life campaign in the Sunshine State way back in 2007.

Jeanne is responsible for making her state one of the largest for 40 Days for Life, which is proving to be critical in post-Roe Florida.

It's not easy to follow a legend, but Rich has built upon Jeanne's legacy. Under his leadership, Sarasota became a year-round 40 Days for Life 365 location, which has already saved several babies from abortion this year!

South Bronx, New York

The Big Apple is home to more abortion facilities than any other U.S. city...and more 40 Days for Life vigils as well.

Manhattan, Brooklyn, and the Bronx each have two campaigns. Staten Island has one. Long Island has four. And the suburbs have plenty of vigils too!

Sol in the South Bronx noticed that some of the abortion facility escorts seem more interested in listening to her team's prayers than walking women into their abortion appointments.

"We see the struggle in some of them leaving the pro-choice world," she said. "It should be a very fruitful campaign."

Niagara Falls, Ontario

On the Canadian side of Niagara Falls, Michael was approached by a middle-aged woman who indicated she had two abortions when she was younger due to pressure from her mother.

"She still has never gotten over it," Michael said. "Though she said she wasn't a 'believer,' she was happy we were present.

Then the devil took him up to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world in their magnificence, and he said to him, "All these I shall give to you, if you will prostrate yourself and worship me.”

--Matthew 4:8-9

Lord, help each of us overcome the temptation of discouragement. Give us the perseverance to follow your will and remember that you hear our prayers even when we don’t see the results. If it is your will, use us to save more lives than we will know in this lifetime. Amen.

For life,

Shawn Carney

President & CEO, 40 Days for Life