Washington, DC (LifeNews.com) -- Pro-life advocates across the country are preparing for the second round of a 40-day campaign to renew local opposition to abortion businesses in their community. The 40 Days for Life campaign had tremendous success the first time around in rebuilding pro-life groups and talking women out of having abortions.

David Bereit, the director of the campaign, told LifeNews.com that "pro-life advocates in 59 cities across 31 states are preparing to launch the next wave."

"From February 6 until March 14, people across America will join together for 40 days of prayer and fasting for an end to abortion," he said.

The event includes "40 days of constant, peaceful vigil outside abortion facilities and Planned Parenthood offices and 40 days of intensive pro-life community outreach."

Bereit said the timeframe for the event coincides with the Christian season of Lent, a period where both Protestant and Catholic make personal sacrifices to help focus more clearly on their relationship with God.

During the first nationally coordinated 40 Days for Life effort in the fall of 2007, communities from coast to coast took part in the initiative.

"The results were staggering," said Bereit. "Over 100,000 people united in prayer and fasting, more than 22,000 people took to the streets to participate in peaceful prayer vigils outside abortion centers."

He said abortion businesses closed in some parts or cut back their number of hours or days they were open. Campaign participants noted 340 abortions prevented as a result of the effort.

Related web sites:
40 Days for Life - http://www.40daysforlife.com