John,

Contraception is designed to prevent unintended pregnancies.

Unintended pregnancies account for the majority of abortions.

So it would seem that contraception reduces the number of abortions and that birth control is a blessing.

Is it that simple?

Contraception is a controversial matter among pro-lifers. On this episode of The 40 Days for Life Podcast, we answer the question: "Is contraception a blessing or a curse?"

Tune in at:

40daysforlife.com/birth-control-blessing

The Philadelphia 40 Days for Life team reported an inspiring conversation with a young woman outside Planned Parenthood.

"She shared that she had her birth control removed and made a courageous decision to embrace chastity," the leadership team wrote. "Pat offered encouragement and prayed with her--a true moment of grace!"

Zagreb, Croatia

"We have BIG, BIG, BIG news from Croatia," wrote longtime 40 Days for Life leader Petra.

The hospital in Zagreb, where the vigil is held, paused providing abortions because ALL of the nurses are refusing to participate.

By law, the hospital will need to find staff to make sure abortions become available again. But in the meantime, between 4 and 12 abortions are NOT taking place every day.

"I can't even describe how happy we are in this moment and how big this is!" Petra said. 

Schenectady, New York

Chris saw a couple leaving Planned Parenthood stop their car to look for information on their phone.

"She had tears running down her face," Chris said.

The two women made eye contact, and the car window was rolled down, beginning a conversation about the couple's situation. The father acknowledged turning away from Planned Parenthood, but he desperately needs a job.

Chris expressed interest in throwing a baby shower, but unfortunately, the father is no longer responding to text messages.

"Let's all pray that this couple will remain open to having their child," wrote Larry and Connie from the Schenectady team.

On the first day of the week, Mary of Magdala came to the tomb early in the morning while it was still dark, and saw the stone removed from the tomb.

--John 20:1

Father, you never fail. Time and time again you have triumphed: with the overturn of Roe v. Wade, with the conversion of abortion doctors, with the courageous mothers who have chosen life, and with the countless babies saved against all odds. Why, then, do I doubt that you will help us now? I believe that you will make abortion unthinkable in this country. I believe that you will help us empower women to choose life. I believe that no setback is permanent. I believe that you have a plan far greater than anything I could ever conceive on my own. I surrender the past, present, and future to you. Amen.

For life,

Shawn Carney

President & CEO, 40 Days for Life