THANK YOU! THE BLESSINGS OF 40 DAYS FOR LIFE MEMPHIS FALL 2009 CAMPAIGN!

It has been a tough last 40 Days in Memphis. We have been praying, fasting, and standing vigil for these last 40 days and believers standing outside 1407 Union have endured drenching rain, small hail, biting cold, and winds that have blown signs, umbrellas, and chairs away. Name calling, rude gestures, and even a pro-choice protester accompanied us as we stood daily at Planned Parenthood praying for an end to abortion and being a presence for the women and babies being targeted by abortion inside.

However, when we hear the blessings of this campaign, no one can attest to it not being all worth it!

• 3 women told us they were choosing life instead of death for their baby after God convicted them, through our presence.
• 1 woman who we did not know about told us that she had seen "us" out here at one of the last campaigns and had chosen to not abort her baby and showed us a picture of her 5 month old.
• Many men and women have been directed to post-abortive recovery
• Over 400 people have now gotten involved and stood, at least one hour, in front of Planned Parenthood in prayer with 40 Days
• We have stood 497 hours in prayer this campaign outside Planned Parenthood
• 2/3 of those standing vigil said this was the first time they had ever acted on their pro-life beliefs
• We were featured in two prominent media outlets
• Over 200 people gathered together for the 40 Day rallies
• 13 people are now seeking to become sidewalk counselors
• PLANNED PARENTHOOD IS MOVING after being entrenched in 1407 for the last 30 years!

There are so many "little" blessings that, being on the campaign planning committee, we have seen personally regarding finances, vigil hours being filled, and planning details.

Everything that happens is a "God-thing" and is constantly giving testimony of this being the work of God.

Thank you for responding to the call to come out and stand for the unborn! All of this "us" reported in the blessings is actually you! You stood there in prayer. You were that prayerful presence, and while many children were unfortunately and very tragically aborted these last 40 Days, not one of them went unloved. We were always there when that clinic was operating. May God reward you for all you do to seek to protect the innocent. May God have mercy on our city and bring an end to abortion.

 

Fall 2009 Victory Rally!

O sing unto the LORD a new song; for He hath done marvelous things: His Right Hand, and His Holy Arm, hath gotten Him the victory.

Psalm 98:1

100+ people came together to celebrate the conclusion of another 40 Days of prayer and fasting for an end to abortion in Memphis! People came from as far as Savannah, TN and Tupelo, MS to attend the Fall 2009 40 Days for Life Victory Rally! The entire event was incredibly encouraging and just a wonderful conclusion to a tough, yet rewarding, 40 Days!

It truly was a victorious event. Testimonies were shared by some who had participated in the campaign and worship was led by Chris Farris and his band. A dozen pro-life ministries and organizations from around the Mid-South had representatives available to help people continue to take an active role in bringing an end to abortion and supporting women and men facing a crisis pregnancy. And - in God’s always amazing providence -there was more then enough food for everyone and it was all so wonderful!

Those lives that we know have been saved, in answer to our prayers, were acknowledged through a birthday cake! 12 candles – for the 12 children – were lit as everyone sang happy-birthday. One extra candle was on the cake. When asked why the answer was, “It stands for all those children who were saved that we do not know about.” One of the youngest present blew out the candles!

Once again, after the first part of the Victory Celebration had come to a close, we made the drive to Planned Parenthood, which is just a short distance away. Planned Parenthood is moving and this was the last prayerful-trek as “40 Days for Life” around 1407 Union Avenue, as the owner of the building has refused to renew the lease with them! Fr. Martin Orjianioke, a visiting priest from Nigeria, offered up a beautiful concluding prayer filled with praises to God for his goodness and providence and pleas of mercy for our city, nation, and world – where the killing of an unborn child, by the will of its own mother, is not only legal and allowed but supported and fought for as a “right.” Fr. Martin prayed that God and his angels go before us and Planned Parenthood to their future abortion mill at 1750 Madison Ave.

For the sake of His sorrowful passion, have mercy on us and on the whole world!

The Last Hour

The last hour of the fall 2009 campaign was so amazing and prayerful! St. Ann's Youth Group came out to pray with us! It was such a marvelous ending to the 40 Days of prayer and fasting and the constant vigil for the past 40 days outside Planned Parenthood.

Lord God, I thank you today for the gift of my life,
And for the lives of all my brothers and sisters.

I know there is nothing that destroys more life than abortion,
Yet I rejoice that you have conquered death
by the Resurrection of Your Son.

I am ready to do my part in ending abortion.
Today I commit myself
Never to be silent,
Never to be passive,
Never to be forgetful of the unborn.

I commit myself to be active in the pro-life movement,
And never to stop defending life
Until all my brothers and sisters are protected,
And our nation once again becomes
A nation with liberty and justice
Not just for some, but for all.

Through Christ our Lord. Amen!

www.priestsforlife.com

Last Day of 40 Days for Life! Dozens of people!

Pray for Him and Her

“I am completely incompetent with technology, so maybe someone can post this... 1407 Union was hopping this morning with business. As a couple of friends and I were standing there when a young couple came out. The young man started waving at us and talking to his girlfriend. She kept walking towards the back of the block. I asked him if he needed help and he nodded 'yes'. I asked if she was pregnant and if he was the father. He said 'yes,' but she wanted to have an abortion. Anyway, we gave him some material and told him that we would pray for him and her, so they left. As they drove by you could see that he was not happy and arguing with her to keep their child. Please pray for them. If we had not been there to witness, he would have been alone in this fight for his child's life. Now he knows he is not, and that all of heaven and earth are praying that his baby makes it, and they become a whole family in God's sight. God bless you all.” - Erin

ONE DAY LEFT! DAY 39!

 

“I will extol thee, my God, O king; and I will bless thy name for ever and ever.” Psalm 145:1

How wonderful is our God!?! We cannot wait to see you at the Victory Rally Monday night to share with you and to hear form you the many blessings of our GREAT God!

This has been a tough, but fantastic 39 days! Come out and pray with us tomorrow at Planned Parenthood!

www.vigilcalendar.com/memphis

VICTORY RALLY!

MAKE THIS THE BIGGEST RALLY YET!

Make sure to join us for the Fall 2009 40 Days for Life Victory Rally! We are hoping to see EVERYONE! This is going to be an amazing event, and we wouldn’t want anyone to miss it! WE WANT TO SEE YOU THERE!

40 Days for Life happened (and continues to until Sunday) because YOU responded to God’s call to pray, fast, and stand vigil for LIFE! All of the blessings are the fruit of your prayer which God has answered! This is your chance to declare victory!

COME AND CELEBRATE WITH US!


WHEN: MONDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 2009

WHERE: MCLEAN BAPTIST CHURCH
815 N. McLean Blvd.

TIME: 6:30 PM

POTLUCK, FELLOWSHIP, TESTIMONIES, SPEAKERS, MUSIC, AND MARCH AROUND PLANNED PARENTHOOD

Youth pray to end abortion.

St. Francis Youth Group

Incarnation Youth Group

CHOOSE LIFE!

PARTICIPATE IN THE LAST DAYS OF THE CAMPAIGN!

40 DAYS FOR LIFE MEMPHIS FALL 2009 CAMPAIGN ENDS SUNDAY NOVEMEBER 1, 2009

View Full Album

Mercy offers Life, not death.

FOUNDER OF PLANNED PARENTHOOD, MARGARET SANGER:

"The most merciful thing that a large family does to one of its infant members is to kill it." 
Margaret Sanger, Women and the New Race
(Eugenics Publ. Co., 1920, 1923)

CHOOSE LIFE. TRULY, THE MOST MERCIFUL THING A LARGE FAMILY CAN DO TO ONE OF IT’S INFANT MEMBERS IS TO GIVE IT LIFE.

“My heart was broken for them…”

“Unfortunately, my experience at the vigil last Friday reminded me how much work we have to do. A young couple came out of the facility and walked to their car parked across the street in The Cupboard lot. The guy helped the girl to walk and they both looked very sad. They sat in their car a long time before they drove off. We didn't speak, but I feel certain that they had had an abortion. My heart was broken for them and I prayed that they would find peace.” - John

“Classy…”

“Today we were at the vigil site, and this young guy approached us. He thanked us for what we were doing. He said, ‘I saw ya’ll out here last year and again now. I noticed that you don’t use graphic photos or stuff like that. Thank you for keeping it classy. I appreciate what you are doing.’” - Ingram

Far from the crazy, shouting, harassing extremists with “graphic signs” they try to make us out to be…

Encouragement

“I am a sidewalk counselor and had just finished sidewalk counseling for the day before I came over to 1407 Union. I was so discouraged from the morning, however when I turned the corner to get on Union I could see from across the street about 15 people standing with signs saying, ‘Pray to End Abortion.’ They were a local youth group. We stood together for about thirty minutes before some young men came up to us. There were four or five of them. They were so encouraging! They said they were seminarians from Indianapolis. They had come down for an ordination and when they had seen us they said they did a u-turn and just had to come out! They stood for about fifteen minutes as we spoke with them. Then they offered to buy us all hot chocolate or coffee. It was so encouraging. We later learned that a couple at the abortion clinic on McNeil and Popular chose life for their baby during that hour. The freezing cold seemed to have been nothing when I heard that the mother had chosen life. Praise God!” - Dev

Mid-Point Rally! Yay!

The 2009 40 Days for Life Mid-Point Rally was on held on October 12, 2009 at McLean Baptist Church. Over forty people attended the rally, united in a mutual respect for life despite various different cultural and denominational backgrounds.

The rally featured a keynote address by Priests for Life’s Fr. William Scott Daniels, O.P. He shared with all present the importance of always being mindful that we are created in God’s image as unique individuals that cannot be repeated. He brought up the reality that each and every innocent baby murdered through abortion is a human being, an individual soul and person with inherent dignity that is lost to this world once the heinous act of abortion is committed. Fr. Daniels urged all to make a stand for life, saying: “What we do or don’t do towards another human being reflects on how we perceive our own humanity. We can say all day long, ‘I love you God,’ but if it is not manifest in our love for neighbor it is a lie.”

Those who attended were led in hymns by John Simmons, Music Minister of McLean Baptist Church, who also shared his own short testimony on his past experiences taking part in pro-life work, citing the importance and power of prayer in this effort to change hearts and minds and save lives.

The most significant moment of the evening was when those at the rally drove the short distance to Planned Parenthood, circling the building during a candlelit prayer vigil. As the crowd walked down the sidewalk of Union Avenue in prayer holding signs which read, “Pray to End Abortion” and quoting Jeremiah 1:5, supportive honks encouraged. Richard Roland, a coordinator for 40 Days for Life Memphis, led the closing prayer for the event.

Christopher Cook, Campaign Director of 40 Days for Life Memphis, shared the exciting news of the blessings God has given the Fall 2009 campaign. For the past twenty days Christians across the city have been petitioning God to bring an end to abortion not only in their homes, parishes, and local community organizations but also in the daily 14 hour vigil outside Planned Parenthood at 1407 Union Avenue. Since the start of the campaign two mothers have reported saving their children after being convicted on seeing the prayer volunteers outside the clinic, and numerous women and men have been shown a path to find healing for their post-abortive pain. 40 Days for Life will continue for twenty more consecutive days, and prayer volunteers are needed for the daily vigil. To learn more and sign up to be a part of this life-saving effort visit www.40daysforlife.com/memphis, e-mail 40daysforlifememphis@gmail.com, or call 901-267-8592.

Our pro-choice friend. Many prayers.

We received news today that a woman, Katie, approached those standing vigil to “protest” the vigil and the thought that the unborn child is actually human and deserving of life and respect.

“Katie. She was our pro-choice protester. We all shared the love of Christ with her. She said she was abused by a pro-lifer and wished she had been aborted. She was very kind but very hurt and angry. She said she would come back....”

We are sorry that she was abused by anyone claiming to be pro-life. Those representing life, representing Christ, should reflect what they represent. Katie remains in our prayers.

God is the Creator of the unborn, and they deserve, by that very fact, to be protected and given life.

“Did not he who made me in the womb make them? Did not the same one form us both within our mothers?” Job 31:15

Third baby of the Fall 2009 Campaign reported saved!

“Latisha walked up to some of the prayer volunteers today, and she said that she had watched them for the last five minutes and that God had revealed to her that the abortion she was planning to get was not His will. The prayer volunteers called and told me this and that they had given her Life-Choices information and offered to take her there. She accepted the material and thanked them, saying she had to catch the bus and return home. We thanked God for her and her life-giving choice! I returned to the vigil about thirty minutes later and this woman was talking to those standing vigil then. I asked her what her name was, and it was Latisha again! She said she had left the information somewhere on the bus, she didn’t know where, but that she needed more. She had come back. She was very serious about getting help at Life-Choices and keeping her baby! Please pray for her.” - Mary

This is the 12th child reported saved since 40 Days for Life began in the Fall of 2008. Praise God!

Planned Parenthood’s Poor “Pledge a Picketer” Efforts

Planned Parenthood in Memphis, since 40 Days for Life Memphis began holding 40 Day prayer vigils outside their 1407 location has “retaliated” by hosting something they call “Pledge-a-Picketer.”

One apparently “pledges” to donate money to this organization depending on how many people “picket” their building. Despite that there is no way for them to possibly know how many people are in front of their building at the end of the 40 Days (as, most of the time, we who are planning the vigil calendar do not even know as people are constantly showing up all day long without signing up to stand vigil) they continue to go on with this little money raising scheme campaign after campaign.

The first campaign in 2008 they spread the word of their “means of turning lemons into lemonade” through their website and through the media by inviting the news out. The news was actually quite fair and interviewed us as well. We responded to the news of their effort by saying, “God is more powerful then money.” He will have victory… with Him we will have victory and in the end, no matter how much money they collect to support their endeavor of killing children (which they would collect anyway from the same people who normally donate to them), their killing will come to an end. All evil and injustice will one day.

The second campaign they stuck to their website.

This campaign they have now posted two rather bland, microscopic signs on their windows that we were only able to really get a good image of, even though standing right below them in front of the building, through zooming in with the camera.

There is a huge tree blocking the signs coming up Union one way, and if anyone could see those signs from the third story (much less be able to write down the e-mail address) coming in the other direction I would be greatly surprised.

Despite the poverty of the effort, it made us at 40 Days Memphis very happy to see them. It is nice to know our prayers and presence are having an effect on their business.

This (and all the rather poor efforts by pro-abortion individuals to counter the 40 Days of prayer and fasting across the nation) just goes to show…

Efforts made based on ideology are always poor when compared to those made based on faith and with God.

"Thank-you for all that you do!!! Did you see the pledge-a-pickett
sign in the window? I went to the other end to pray and saw the
sign, boy did I pray harder as I was looking at those windows
knowing what was in there..." - Worthy

Second Child of the Fall 2009 Campaign Reported Saved!

“It has brought tears to my eyes every time I have thought about it in the last day since it happened! A woman drove by when we were out at 1407 and said she had prayed and was keeping her baby!” – Sue

Rain or Shine!

Mid-Point Rally TONIGHT!

FALL 2009 MID-POINT RALLY IS TONIGHT! DON’T MISS IT!

WHERE: MCLEAN BAPTIST CHURCH,

CORNER OF 815 N. MCLEAN BLVD. AND JACKSON AVE.

DATE: MONDAY, OCTOBER 12TH

TIME: 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM

GUEST SPEAKER: FR. SCOTT DANIELS, O.P.

OF PRIESTS FOR LIFE

MAKE SURE TO CHECK THE WEATHER FOR COOL TEMPERATURES OR RAIN. WE WILL BE DRIVING OVER TO PLANNED PARENTHOOD DURING THE SECOND HALF OF THE RALLY FOR A PRAYERFUL, CANDLELIT VIGIL.

We must humble ourselves and seek His face…

“Samaria shall become desolate; for she hath rebelled against her God: they shall fall by the sword: their infants shall be dashed in pieces, and their women with child shall be ripped up.” Hosea 13:16

“If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.” 2 Chronicles 7:14

Like Samaria, our infants are dashed to pieces and our women with children are ripped up. We must humble ourselves, pray, seek His face, and turn from our wicked ways for Him to forgive us and heal our land. Humble yourself and seek his face by coming to pray before God on the corner of 1407 Union for an end to this atrocity.

The War Against the Child

"I feel that the greatest destroyer of peace today is abortion, because it is a war against the child, a direct killing of the innocent child, murder by the mother herself…And if we can accept that a mother can kill her own child, how can we tell other people not to kill one another?" – Mother Teresa of Calcutta

Pray for an end to abortion and ultimately a respect of all human life from conception to natural death in front of Planned Parenthood at 1407 Union Avenue.

Praying for the Workers and Employees of Planned Parenthood

 

In our prayers we do not forget the workers and employees of Planned Parenthood.

“Cursed be he that taketh a bribe to slay an innocent person.” - Deuteronomy 27:25

Travelling All the Way From Missouri!

 

These ladies travel weekly all the way from Missouri to stand vigil. Kathy, one of the ladies, said that she would drive to Springfield, MO and pray there weekly until the clinic finally shut down there. Now she is going to come to Memphis and pray here until the clinic shuts down!

Most of us don’t have such a drive to make to just pray for an hour in front of Planned Parenthood for the workers, mothers, and children involved in their abortion practices… however, we don’t. Consider coming and praying with us before God on the corner of 1407 for an end to abortion.

The reality and intensity of our presence there constantly in prayer sends a message to the community about the reality and intensity of abortion.

Come join us, and pray that mothers will choose life!

So Thankful for a Son He Previously Wanted to Abort

"I was standing with two others at Planned Parenthood when an older gentleman approached us. He began to tell us that twenty or so years ago his wife came to him and told him she was pregnant. He had told her to get an abortion, and she had said no. He said now, so many years later, he looks back in thanksgiving for her 'no.' He began to tell us of his son... how responsible and smart he is. He is studying to be an EMT, and comes over and spends time with him. He said the only thing he does not like about him is that his hair is too long and he listens to that 'awful rap.' He said this laughing. He kept telling us of his son. The joy that he found in him and the love he had for him poured out from his expression and words. He repeated to us again how thankful he was for his son and that his wife chose life... how truly ignorant he had been." - Marie

Child #10 reported saved!

 

“Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever.” Psalm 107:1

“One girl came at about 11:30 am and said that she was having a baby boy and changed her mind about having an abortion when she saw the signs…please pray for her.” – Julie, prayer volunteer

An Answer to a Prayer: 9th Child Reported Saved from Abortion by God working through 40 Days for Life Memphis

Weeks will go by where our prayer volunteers will show up and pray for an end to abortion among other related petitions and we will see no fruit from those prayers. We must just have faith and trust that our faithfulness is pleasing to God and that he is hearing us and doing something with those prayers. Yesterday, we received an email from prayer volunteers (our two sisters mentioned in a previous post) accompanied by a picture of a woman named Shannon. It read:

“Hello to all. This lady is named Shannon. She came up to my sister and I yesterday at Planned Parenthood. She was so excited as she was talking with us. She let us know her little girl is alive because of 40 Days. These are Shannon’s words…

‘I had scheduled an abortion, but at night I would have bad dreams and toss and turn. I was very upset at the thought of having an abortion at Planned Parenthood. I finally said I just cannot do this!!! I read all about 40 Days in the paper, and I have saved that paper as a sign from God. I am so grateful I did not have an abortion. Do you want to see my little girl?’

Shannon had a peace and joy about her…

I looked on her phone and saw a picture of a beautiful baby. My sister and I were humbled and deeply touched by this. Thank you, Jesus!”

Here is the picture that accompanied the e-mail of Shannon:

We are so humbled and thankful here at 40 Days for Life Memphis for this mother who chose life and for this precious child. It brings to mind this verse:

“For this child I prayed; and the LORD hath given me my petition which I asked of him.” 1 Samuel 1:27

Thank you Jesus for giving us the blessing of knowing of this mother and child. It is such a grace to be able to see an answer to a prayer!

Jesus Heals – Woman suffering post-abortion.

“A lady approached me as I was standing with Georgia tonight. Georgia was in the chair, and the lady walked up to ask if we had any literature. I went to the box, crouched down, and asked if she wanted crisis pregnancy info or info on 40 Days. She asked for both. I gave it to her and was explaining all that Life Choices offers. She asked if they took donations, and I said they did. She thanked me and started walking across the street toward Krystal's Restaurant. She stopped, turned around and walked back to me. Then she leaned a hand on the fire hydrant, and she looked like she had to steady herself. She closed her eyes, drew a deep breathe and said, this is for a testimony:

‘Jesus saved me, but I had three abortions. The doctor told me all three times that it was just cells and not a baby yet. I am not from here and this happened a long tome ago, but I know the truth now.’

Tears were streaming down her face. I don't know why I did not cry because I am crying typing this...I looked at her and said Jesus not only saves but He heals and He forgives. I told her about the Bible study that Life Choices has, and I asked if I could hug her. She hugged me as I told her God does forgive and that I will pray for her...” – Susanna

Thus says the Lord:

In Ramah is heard the sound
of moaning,
of bitter weeping!

Rachel mourns her children,
she refuses to be consoled,
because her children are no more.

Jeremiah 31:15

Sisters @ 40 Days for Life Memphis

Two sisters, Kathy and Debbie, came together Tuesday to pray for an end to abortion. Kathy said “mom and dad would be proud.”

Men, Praying for an End to Abortion

As you do not know
the path of the wind,
or how the body is
formed in a mother's
womb,
so you cannot understand the work of God,
the maker of all things.

Ecc 11:5

Praying Over and With Her

A beautiful experience by our prayer warriors:

“Melanie, Cindy, and I were out there. A 20 year old Sarah asked us for help.  She is at least 6 weeks pregnant, and her boyfriend John wants her to get an abortion.  She was not seeking abortion yesterday but was in the building for some job skill training.  She has a 1 year old by the same man.  She said John is getting ready to go to Afghanistan.  When I heard he was in the military, I told her to tell him that he needs to ‘man up’ and accept his responsibilities.  She was very receptive to what all of the three of us were saying.  She wants to do the right thing and we of course told her that Jesus certainly wants her to do what is right and that we are all there to help her with this new innocent little baby.  She took all our literature and then she allowed us to pray over her.  Melanie led a beautiful spirit filled prayer.  Within that hour we had 3 other interesting encounters and shared our knowledge with them as well. It was wonderful.” – Libby

Blessed Sacrament Homeschool Group

 CHOOSE LIFE

"A person's a person, no matter how small."
~ Dr. Seuss, Horton Hears a Who

Be apart of the Fall 2009 Kick-Off Rally!

COME JOIN US FOR THE 40 DAYS FOR LIFE MEMPHIS FALL 2009 KICK-OFF RALLY!

DATE: Tuesday, September 22, 2009
LOCATION: McLean Baptist Church

Located at the corner of 815 North Mclean Blvd and Jackson Ave.

TIME: 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM

Come celebrate with us on the eve of the campaign! Listen to notable speakers who will inspire, join us for a candle-lit walk to Planned Parenthood, and pray with us as we kick-off the 40 Days of prayer and fasting for an end to abortion!

Join in the 40 Days for Life Memphis Fall 2009 Campaign!
September 23 - November 1



www.40daysforlife.com/memphis

Glenn Beck raises awareness of the crimes happening at Planned Parenthood Memphis

Reports: Women Hurt by Planned Parenthood Memphis

Since the edited video was released, Tennessee Right to Life has been receiving many accounts from women on their experiences with Planned Parenthood Memphis and other Planned Parenthood affiliates in Nashville and Knoxville. It is saddening.

One woman writes:

"This does not surprise me at all. Planned Parenthood in Memphis was despicable 20 years ago when I had my experience at the same clinic... They did not care about me, my physical or mental health... The facts speak for themselves: all they care about is the money associated with the act of abortion. They do not care about women, period!" - Former patient at Memphis Planned Parenthood facility

Another writes:

"I went to them once... I was totally taken in and went expecting to find counseling and education in choosing birth control, perhaps a financial break and emotional support. They were the coldest group of women, peremptory, even nasty! They charged me as much as any doctor's office for their "services". The only time I have ever had trouble giving blood was in their clinic where the "nurse" had to try again and again. By the time I got home that day my arm was black and blue, literally from my shoulder to my wrist! I realize that was nothing compared to some of the ill treatment many other women have received from them, but it made a big impression on me..."

Tennessee Right to Life is as devastated by these facts and stories as we are and is doing all possible to ensure that Planned Parenthood in Tennessee no longer receives the funds that keep them being able to place our daughters and sisters into dangerous and hurtful situations.

If you or a loved one received poor service or have a personal experience with Planned Parenthood Memphis or another affiliate that you wish to share, please contact Ann Marie at 615.298.5433 or email her at defundpp@tnrtl.org. All information will be kept confidential unless written permission is granted allowing Tennessee Right to Life to share.

May God grant mercy to all staff at Planned Parenthood Memphis.

Full Footage of Planned Parenthood Memphis Investigation Released

Last week undercover investigators released video footage that documents criminal violations at the Memphis Planned Parenthood facility. A counselor was caught coaching a 14-year-old-girl to lie to a judge in order to obtain a waiver for an abortion without her parents' knowledge. In addition, the counselor sought to suppress evidence of statutory rape by urging the girl to lie about the age of her 31-year-old boyfriend. Tennessee law requires health professionals to report suspected cases of sexual abuse of minors to law enforcement immediately.

The Memphis Commercial Appeal, reported after the edited footage was released a week ago inaccurately saying that the video was "blurry" and stating that the video, "never shows Memphis or anything that proves the video was shot here."

For all those who have spent hours praying outside the clinic and actually being in the area it is evident from the video that it was in fact filmed on location at Planned Parenthood. Planned Parenthood Memphis released a statement saying that they have asked Live Action for an unedited version of the secretly recorded tape so that the staff can gather all the facts. David R. Schmidt, media director for the organization who did the video, stated to the Commercial Appeal: "Planned Parenthood has not requested any footage from us or had any correspondence with us. Planned Parenthood's claim that they, 'asked the California organization for an unedited version of the secretly recorded tape' is false."

Yesterday, Live Action released full footage, which we have embedded below.

Planned Parenthood Memphis Caught Covering Up

Planned Parenthood Memphis has been caught covering up statutory rape by Project Mona Lisa, put on by Live Action. In the sting operation, caught on camera, they broke Tennessee Law concerning the report of suspected cases of sexual abuse of minors and suggested that the young girl lie to the court in order to get a judicial bypass to receive an abortion without her parents' knowledge.

Lila Rose, in reality a 20-year-old UCLA student, posed in the summer of 2008 as a 14-year-old who had been impregnated by her 31 year old boyfriend. Videos of the sting were released yesterday. With hidden cameras she took her story into Planned Parenthood Memphis to see if, like she expected, they would cover up statutory rape (as numerous other Planned Parenthood branches across the nation have been doing) and break Tennessee Law.

Tennessee Code 37-1-605 requires health professionals to report suspected cases of sexual abuse of minors to law enforcement immediately.

The Planned Parenthood counselor tells Rose on camera, "Look, if we keep this conversation I'm gonna have to talk to my manager and yeah, [your boyfriend]'s gonna get in trouble," but promises, "I'm not gonna tell anybody, ok?" She adds, "And please don't say that I told you this." When Rose tells the counselor she thinks her boyfriend will get in trouble if her parents find out, the counselor advises Rose to lie about the man's age when speaking to a judge in order to obtain a bypass of Tennessee's parental consent law for abortion: "Don't mention it. Just say you have a boyfriend 17 years old...whatever."

Instead of reporting child abuse/rape, as required by law, Planned Parenthood is willing to conceal adult-child sex in order to profit off of victims of child sexual abuse. Then, for an ideology of "choice" which they "coincidentally" profit majorly off of, they encourage children to lie to the courts in order to get by Tennessee parental consent laws that "coincidentally" and rather ironically in 1995 they, the Planned Parenthood affiliate of Memphis, challenged...fortunately unsuccessfully.

This is the same facility where we hold our 40 Day vigil located at 1407 Union Avenue, Suite 300. This has come as very unfortunate news to us who feel so intimately connected with the girls we are praying for and the babies in their womb outside Planned Parenthood Memphis. We, from this point on, include in our prayers all of those girls who have been victims of sexual abuse with the lack of help from Planned Parenthood Memphis. This can't "coincidentally" be the first time they have "promised to not tell anyone." This also cannot be the first time they have aided young girls in lying to get past parental consent laws. We continue to pray for the staff of Planned Parenthood, that they may have a conversion of heart.

40 Days for Life Memphis hopes that public authorities initiate a full investigation into this to stop child abuse cover-up and protection of sexual predators.

To top this off, $1,100,000, of tax-payer money goes to this organization every year. Click here to contact legislators and tell them no tax dollars for Planned Parenthood.

Another Child Saved from Abortion at Planned Parenthood

A third child was reported saved on Friday, the last “abortion day” of the campaign. Steven, one of our prayer volunteers, who reported it to us, told us:

“She was about 40 years old. She drove by. And she said a prayer and the Lord just convicted her she shouldn’t have the abortion when she saw us. She asked us to pray for her.” – Steven

Thanks be to God!

I would also like to commend these three ladies to the left. They drove all the way from Mississippi, despite their grown children telling them that what they were doing was crazy and they could, inaccurately, be arrested to stand and pray for life in front of where life is taken and denied. God bless them!

Thank you everyone for responding to God's will. Thank you for a fantastic 40 Days for Life Spring 2009!

Video Post Inspired by Previous Testimony

Christ has used and taught me so much!

I went down to Planned Parenthood to pray for some time on Tuesday. While I was there I was reading the Psalms and passing out Human Life Alliance Magazines when people would pass me. Everyone was very open to taking them. I would wish them a blessed day, and they would do the same back to me. We had three men come up to us at different times. Each one was intrigued by what we were doing, which was simply praying there. One was a guy who passes us when driving his ambulance each day. Another was a doctor at a Christian clinic. Another was a business man going into 1407 who is involved in a ministry that teaches kids the importance of living a pure life. It was very encouraging. They all wanted to get involved. They wanted to be a witness for life as well!

Then it started to rain a little. I went to go put up my chair and magazines and there was a man and woman standing by them smoking. They started a conversation with me. She said, “You know, I don’t understand why you’re out here.” I replied, “To pay to end abortion.”

“Why are you against abortion?” 

“It is the killing of a child.”

“No it isn’t.”

I smiled a little and pulled out one of my magazines. I showed her the development of the child and told her how after only 18 days the heart starts to beat. I showed her all the pictures. I began to explain to her the pain and regret most women who are post-abortive experience and how I am also praying for an end to abortion because of the hurt it causes women.

She was very willing to listen. She then started to tell me how her friend has six children and can’t afford to support them. She told me her friend was irresponsible in having children and that she should get an abortion.

I began to try to explain how it isn’t fair or right for a child to die because of the actions of the parent. A child’s human worth does not decrease because of the actions of the parent. It suddenly does not become “not a child.” It is still wrong to kill the child. I pointed out how our new President, Obama, wasn’t born into an ideal situation. Neither was Jesus Christ, our Savior. The young guy standing with us suddenly started to see what I was saying and began to agree.

After the guy had left she opened up to me about some tragic experiences she had went through in the past. I believe Christ taught us both something as we talked.

Being at the vigil site has given me so many opportunities to evangelize and aid people from all walks of life that pass and talk to us whether that be through my actions or through my words. And Christ has taught me so much from these people. I am so happy to be a part of this organization. – Lisa

Spring Break Spent Witnessing for Christ and Life

“My mother is the one that sent in the blog about the Fleece blanket being a poor substitute. Let me tell you my side.

When I came home from college for Spring Break, my mother presented me with a new Bible. I had been talking to her about needing a new Bible for some time and she went out and purchased one for me. I was so grateful! She helped me place my Bible tabs in so it would be easier for me to find the books. Later that night, I opened my Bible like I do every night to read a passage. It has become a new habit of mine to let the Bible fall open to a passage. I then read whatever passage the Bible opens to and write a little reflection on it. This night, the Bible was opened to Jeremiah 1:5. I think we all know that verse. I read it and wrote my little reflection. Two days later, we were at Church and my mom asked if I would like to sign up for 40 Days for Life. I immediately said yes because I knew God wanted me there. This is why I wasn't on a trip with friends for Spring Break - He wanted me spreading His Word.

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The day that we were to stand out on Union was a cold, dreary day. I was worried about hecklers and people shouting nasty things because I knew I would not be able to hold my tongue. Yet, we went armed with blankets, Bibles, and rosaries. The entire time I was there, I felt God's presence with me. Yes, I was cold on the outside, but my heart and soul were warm because I was doing God's work. Yes, I received mean looks but mostly the looks I got were curious and wondering. I mean, not many college aged students would give up part of their Spring Break to go stand on a corner and pray. It was a wonderful experience. Later that night, I told a friend what I had done and he responded with, 'Wow. You volunteered on Spring Break? You stood on a street corner to protest abortion?' My response, 'Yes? Why? If I could make one person stop and wonder and question, then maybe, just maybe, I could help God change one person's heart. That is my hope.' And I believe that is all of our hope. In closing, I want to say thank you. This experience greatly impacted my life and I am so blessed to have been able to be a part of 40 Days for Life.” - Rachel

A Fleece Blanket is a Poor Substitute

“Just wanted to let you know of our experience on March 20. My daughter - home on Spring Break - took our shift at the corner and witnessed a couple of wonderful/sad events. One was an apparently poor and maybe homeless family group walking up Union Ave - all with joy on their faces since they were going on an outing to Pizza Hut. One of the children asked what we were doing and her mom answered - she hadn't really looked at our signs until then. She said - Oh you're the people who are telling people about abortion. Her answer to her child was lovely - they are praying for the babies.

We also saw many adult women stop at the corner to pick up young women - sad day since we can only assume what had happened in that building. Several of the young women got into the waiting cars and wrapped up in fleece blankets and tipped their seats back so they couldn't see out the windows. Made us wonder if Planned Parenthood sent their drivers off to the cars with a "free" blanket to wrap up in - a poor substitute for the baby blanket the young women could be holding.

… She [my daughter] did not want to be at PP on a day that they performed abortions but in the end was touched that we were there on one of those days. I find it most important to have volunteers there on those days - how many women have refused to go in for the procedure knowing that someone is outside praying for them?

Thanks for all you do and God bless” - Ann