Organize a vigil at an abortion facility to be a witness for life. Because of your presence, lives will be saved, mothers will be spared, and the children who lose their lives at the facility that day will not be alone.
Click here to read more about organizing Prayer Vigils.
1. Choose a Facility, Date, and Time. Search online at sites like www.abortion.com to find a facility in your area. You may want to drive by the facility to familiarize yourself with the layout of the area and plan where people will be able to stand for your vigil. For example, some facilities are gated in a way that will prevent you from standing close. Other facilities are so close to the road that it is difficult to stand and not block the door. Find out when the facility commits abortions and plan your vigil to be during that time. You may need to call the facility directly for that information. Pick a date or schedule this as a regular weekly or monthly activity.
2. Announce the vigil to your group at meetings, through your email list, and your Facebook group. Get in touch with other groups at your school such as religious or political groups that may be interested in joining you. Spread the word to local churches and pro-life organizations. Also, notify the police that you plan to be there (it’s best that they hear from you before the abortion facility calls them). Arrange a carpool from your school to the facility. Keep a list of people who plan to attend and call to remind them the day before.
3. Know the laws that protect or limit your right to gather at the abortion facility for a vigil. For example, you may be required to remain a certain distance away from the doors or from the women entering the building. Go to the precinct police station and meet with the Community Affairs office to find out what the local laws are regarding your vigil. Bring copies of these laws with you just in case the abortion facility calls the police. If the police do come, be respectful and do what they ask you to do. You can deal with the legalities later.
4. Gather materials for your vigil. SFLA has a variety of resources available. Consider signs offering pregnancy aid and information about local Pregnancy Centers, other appropriate pro-life signs, helpful brochures to give abortion-minded clients, and more. If you’re hosting any speakers, arrange to have a podium and sound (if possible).
5. Be a witness for life at the abortion facility. You and the others are gathered in recognition of the lives lost there. Your peaceful presence at the facility shows your unconditional love for both mother and child. Some women going to the facility may change their minds simply because of your presence. You are there to love the lives lost in their last moments on earth, to hold them in your hearts and to recognize that their lives matter.