Thousands of people gather across the United States to stand for life

This year, pro-lifers in thousands of cities in the U.S. and Canada gathered to pray and peacefully display messages about abortion and life-affirming alternatives.

The movement is organized by Life Chain, which has encouraged pro-lifers across the country to pray publicly for an end to abortion. The gatherings have taken place every first Sunday of October for 29 years.

Many people held signs on the sidewalks and street corners of their communities, proclaiming that “Abortion Hurts Women.” Approximately 1,600 cities participated, according to the National Life Chain.

In Indiana, 42 cities reportedly joined in the peaceful protest. “We believe that all life is precious from conception until natural death,” said Mary Kramer, who helped organize the Indiana protest.

The city of Joplin, Missouri, also grabbed the attention of the local media with their peaceful protest.

“Life is sacred and babies are special lives we need to save,” coordinator Camellia Plosser told Fox14TV. Plosser helped put on the display, and added that an election year is no different for the Life Chain.

“We obviously want to see candidates that are supportive of life and supportive of life from conception,” Plosser said.

In Montgomery, Texas, about 100 people gathered to stand for the preborn. “We’re praying for the children who aren’t born. We’re praying for their families and mothers, the mothers just as much because it’s very difficult. We’re not passing judgment; we’re just praying, hoping a higher power can help heal hearts and minds,” said Joe Morrison, president and founder of Montgomery County Right to Life.

Sharron Albertson, a Life Chain coordinator, told Life News that the public events are saving lives by giving women hope for themselves and their preborn babies.

“Every year, young women report deciding not to have an abortion after reading the signs and seeing the people praying,” Albertson said. “Students understand that a third of their generation has disappeared and convince their friends not to kill their baby. People become aware of the need to pray for others in crisis situations and step into volunteer pro-life positions.”