Washington D.C., Jan 21, 2008 / 07:46 pm (CNA).- A pro-life group has launched a forty-day initiative coinciding with Lent to fast, pray, and reach out to the community to end abortion.

The 40 Days for Life campaign first took place in Fall of 2007.  National campaign director David Bereit said local groups had asked that the next event be scheduled for Lent. 

"Lent is a season of prayer, fasting, repentance and renewal. It is our prayer that the efforts of the thousands of people who will participate in 40 Days for Life in their home towns will touch hearts and minds, save lives, and help mark the beginning of the end of abortion in America," Bereit said.

During the Fall campaign, Bereit reported, over 100,000 people prayed and fasted while more than 22,000 took place in prayer vigils outside abortion centers.  “Abortion facilities experienced sharp setbacks -- some cutting back hours and others closing for days at a time -- and at least 340 innocent children were spared from death by abortion," Bereit said.

Bereit reported that Planned Parenthood had called the numerous actions last Fall “unprecedented assaults,” circulating “crisis” e-mail alerts to raise financial help to counter the event.  He quoted Planned Parenthood national president Cecille Richards, who wrote, "Planned Parenthood is under attack and we need your help to fight back! RIGHT NOW, THE LARGEST ANTI-CHOICE PROTEST WE'VE SEEN IN A VERY LONG TIME [emphasis in the original] is taking place.”  

"Following the tremendous impact experienced during the first wave of 40 Days for Life, we can't wait to see what life-saving results will be accomplished from February 6 until March 16," said Bereit.

The 40 Days for Life website can be found at www.40daysforlife.com

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