Optimism is high in the pro-life movement as the first Baton Rouge 40 Days Life Spring Campaign was a resounding success, according to organizers.
The campaign appears to have received a boost from the hope that there will be a decision from the Supreme Court this summer overturning Roe v. Wade, the 1973 landmark case legalizing abortion.
Baton Rouge 40 Days for Life is an interfaith initiative sponsored by the Diocese of Baton Rouge and Baton Rouge Right to Life.
More than 1,000 individuals and 40 groups prayed for the end of abortion at Delta Clinic in Baton Rouge during the campaign, which took place March 2–April 10. During that time there were reports of 11 babies being saved, according to Randall Waguespack director of the Office of Life, Peace and Justice.
“Two of the mothers who chose life are still receiving assistance from volunteers for their immediate needs, including baby items, housing and furniture. One young woman stopped by during the campaign on her way to a doctor’s appointment nearby the abortion clinic. She wanted to let volunteers know that she had chosen life for her child several months earlier thanks to the peaceful, prayerful presence of some of the volunteers,” said Waguespack.
He noted that “despite some crazy weather days,” the first spring campaign was successful.
“We would like to thank all the churches, individuals and groups who signed up,” said Waguespack.
Bridget Soileau, who assists in coordinating the campaign, shared Waguespack’s enthusiasm.
“The commitment of those individuals and groups who came out is inspiring,” said Soileau. “There were college groups, homeschool groups, small prayer groups, large church groups and everything in between.”
“People came out in the worst of weather which was quite a few days this campaign. We even lost a tent during one of the thunderstorms that rolled through.”
Soileau was particularly moved by a group of homeschoolers who travelled quite a distance to come and pray.
“They laid out blankets in the grass and enjoyed the beautiful day while some of the young moms and even some of the children led the group in prayers for the unborn. I was moved to tears listening to those innocent children pray for the innocent children lost right across the street,” said Soileau.
Local and not-so local college students were out in force as well, said Soileau. One group of students travelled from Lafayette on multiple days to come and pray.
There is also a dedicated group from Baton Rouge that comes on a weekly basis.
“One morning, the clinic was just opening and there were 40 students on their knees praying in front of the building. What a powerful witness,” said Soileau.
The vigil momentum has continued even after the campaign was over, Soileau added.
“There have been more people coming out to pray on the days that the clinic is open (Monday, Tuesday and Thursday), and we are getting reports of multiple babies saved every week.”
Waguespack and Soileau said the goal of BR 40 Days for Life is to have year-round prayer coverage every day the clinic is open, and they are doing well with that. Soileau noted help is still needed to man the late afternoon hours.
“Depending on what happens with the Dobbs v. Jackson case (which is the case to overturn Roe v. Wade) the plans may change somewhat,” Soileau said. “It is unclear if the clinic will remain open if Roe v. Wade is overturned but we plan to have prayer coverage if it remains open.
“Prayers are needed now more than ever for a favorable ruling on the Dobbs v. Jackson case so we invite people to come out whenever they can! There has been in increase in the number of appointments at the abortion clinic in the past two weeks likely an anticipation of the Supreme Court decision,” she said.