40 Days For Life: DAY 35: Fake news and fake clinics

Dear Deacon John, Please pray today as the NIFLA v. Becerra case is heard at the U.S. Supreme Court. This is the challenge to the unconscionable California law that requires pro-life pregnancy help centers to give mothers information about abortion -- something we talk about in this episode of the 40 Days for Life podcast. The abortion industry continues to push the lie that life-affirming care centers are "fake clinics." On the sidewalks, at least, it's a tactic that is not working. Here's a prime example from Arizona.

Tempe, Arizona "Our prayers and the efforts of our sidewalk counselors are making a difference," said Jim in Tempe, "and Planned Parenthood is feeling the impact!" Planned Parenthood's escorts are telling potential clients that 40 Days for Life volunteers "are from a fake clinic ... and they will yell at you!" But who is really running a fake clinic? Volunteers met a woman outside Planned Parenthood who said she had been the victim of an assault ... and was there to get help. She was only inside for 10 minutes before she came back out to explain her situation to the sidewalk counselors. The woman was immediately directed to the Aid to Women Center for the assistance she needed. Before she left, she witnessed some of the Planned Parenthood escorts yelling random unpleasantries at the sidewalk counselor who had reached out to help her. "You better stop right now!" she called out. "You should be trying to help those poor pregnant women, rather than yelling at these ladies. Your Planned Parenthood would not help me at all!" With that, the outspoken escort mumbled something and walked away.

Fort Myers, Florida It was a busy trip to Florida, as I spoke at a banquet for the Careline Pregnancy Center in Port Charlotte. The center directors have the full support of Bishop Frank Dewane of the Catholic Diocese of Venice, who has visited 40 Days for Life vigils. The next day I spoke at the Fort Myers mid-point rally in front of a Planned Parenthood facility in a shopping center. This well-attended event even drew some protesters. One held a sign with an arrow towards us that read, "They're crazy."

I'd never seen one like that ... but if we are crazy about something, it is prayer -- and real medical alternatives. In Fort Myers, that is found right across the street from the vigil. I toured the Community Pregnancy Clinic, where they have a nurse, a full-time staff ... and a new ultrasound courtesy of the Knights of Columbus. 40 Days for Life volunteers have to stand quite far from the Planned Parenthood center, but babies have been saved through effective sidewalk counseling. "Despite the distance," said Mike, the local leader, "they see us and know why we are here. We are here for them."

Blessed are those whose lawless deeds are forgiven, and whose sin is covered. Blessed is the one to whom the Lord shall not impute sin. — Romans 4:7-8 Our Most Gracious Heavenly Father, thank you for your amazing grace that saved a wretch like me. I come against the enemy of my soul who would have me feel cast down and dejected. Lord, keep your children from falling prey to the accusations of the father of lies. Turn our mourning into dancing and may we bring praise to you as we give testimony of Your healing and restoration in our lives. See today's full devotional

For life,

Shawn Carney President/CEO, 40 Days for Life

40 Days for Life 4112 E 29th St. Bryan, Texas 77802 United States (888) LIFE-316