New York, NY (LifeNews.com) -- Actresses Blythe Danner and Gwyneth Paltrow are coming under fire from pro-life advocates for exploiting Mother's Day to raise funds for Planned Parenthood. The two recently sent out an email fundraiser for the nation's largest abortion business urging abortion activists to take the group up on a Mother's Day fundraising challenge.

Danner and her daughter Paltrow say they "cannot stand idly by" while abortion "comes under attack" from pro-life groups and lawmakers.

"We are deeply disturbed by what's happening in South Dakota," the actresses say in their letter, referring to the state's new ban on virtually all abortions. "And as Mother's Day approaches, we have a great opportunity to make a difference."

The actresses discuss a challenge issued by a wealthy Planned Parenthood donor who will match up to $50,000 in donations given online to the abortion business -- up until Mother's Day.

“I think fans like to look at Blythe Danner and Gwenneth Paltrow as an example of loving family members," Cheryl Sullenger, a Kansas pro-life advocate said in response.

"It is disappointing to see how Grandma and Mom could so radically support the brutal killing of innocent babies who would be just as loving and adorable as Paltrow’s children, Apple and new baby Moses, if they were given the same opportunity to live," Sullenger added.

In what pro-life groups are calling a slap in the face to women and mothers nationwide, the pair conclude, "Tell your mom you've donated in her name. Or whisper it to your baby at bedtime."

"You'll be making a gift to millions of mothers — to the future of our country. What a profound way to mark this day," the actresses say.

“It is particularly insensitive and insulting that they have chosen Mother's Day to make a statement in support of abortion under the guise of ‘protecting women," Sullenger added. She pointed out that abortion has "physical, emotional, and psychological consequences that have adversely affected the lives of tens of thousands of women who would now give anything to undo."

“If Danner and Paltrow were really interested in protecting women, they would use their influence to stop the tragedy of abortion, not continue it,” Sullenger said.