By Emily Clark

The international 40 Days for Life organization launched its annual fall campaign on September 23 as volunteers in hundreds of cities around the world prepared to pray, fast and hold hours-long vigils outside abortion clinics.

From San Jose to Memphis, Barcelona to Galway and even Faisalabad, Pakistan, pro-life supporters in over 650 communities will work to end the crisis of abortion, organizers said.

The goal this year and every year is an unending chain of prayer during the hours that each campaign is hosting, whether it is for a full 24 hours, for 12 hours through the night or just a short stretch in the afternoon.

Within the diocese, the campaign on Main Street in Bridgeport, which is the only one taking place in Fairfield County this fall, has been a constant for years, drawing volunteers to stand peacefully near a Planned Parenthood center while holding signs with messages such as “Pray to End Abortion” and “Choose Life.” 

This year, Bridgeport Campaign Leader Linda Pryor hopes for an increase in individuals, parish groups, school communities and clergy to join the regulars who offer their time each year.

“We unite with many other cities for a peaceful, prayerful, simultaneous pro-life outreach,” said Pryor. “We pray that this effort will mark the beginning of the end of abortion.”

She would like to expand participation in the vigils with commitments from parish organizations, including men’s groups and Knight of Columbus councils, as well as high school communities, for a single or recurring two- or three-hour block. 

“These people are like silent heroes when they’re out there,” said Ramona Trevino, the Campaign Outreach Director for 40 Days for Life, which is based in Bryan, Texas. “It’s not a protest but a prayer vigil. And when a mom changes her mind, they rally behind her and help her. Some may say, ‘These people just stand there and hold signs, but what are they doing to really help women?’ They do a great job of walking alongside the mom through the pregnancy by ensuring she gets to a pregnancy center and does not change her mind.”

That assistance, which extends well beyond the sidewalk vigils, is something many may not realize occurs, Trevino added. Leaders and volunteers from 40 Days for Life often hold baby showers for the expectant mothers and connect them with a community that will continue offering help.

“We’re seeing more saved babies, up to at least 135 so far this year. We don’t count unless we know 100 percent that the mom has chosen life,” Trevino said.

Pryor highlighted that community outreach also includes taking a positive, upbeat pro-life message through media efforts, church presentations and public visibility, in addition to the fervent prayer and public witness, which are the hallmarks of a 40 Days vigil. 

Several years ago, as part of her annual travels to promote the work of 40 Days, Trevino visited St. Theresa Parish in Trumbull to offer a presentation and testimony.

In addition to the number of babies saved and the number of campaigns around the world, supporters are also encouraged because of the 187 abortion centers that have closed since the first coordinated 40 Days for Life campaign in 2007.

“This is an incredible number and not just because of Roe,” said Trevino, referencing the overturning of Roe v. Wade in 2022. “We are seeing the effectiveness of our presence. That’s what people need to take to heart. The power of our presence in front of these facilities really does make a difference.”

Trevino herself worked for a Planned Parenthood clinic in Texas before experiencing a conversion during the Lenten campaign in 2011 when 40 Days for Life arrived to pray outside her office. This, she said, kickstarted a journey of faith for her, especially when she then joined the staff of 40 Days a decade later. 

“Through this, I reclaimed my walk with Christ and the new identity I had,” she said. “Since then, I’ve admired 40 Days for Life. They stay focused on their mission and have always been a God-centered and faith-centered organization.”

To learn more about the plans for the fall campaign, visit www.40daysforlife.com. Locally, campaign details and signups for vigil hours are found at www.40daysforlife.com/bridgeport.