Around 300 people have taken part in a pro-life prayer vigil outside the Bedford Square clinic of the British Pregnancy Advisory Service (BPAS).
The vigil, which took place on Friday 30 March 2012 was organised by the 40 Days for Life campaign.
Bishop Alan Hopes. Auxiliary Bishop of Westminster, who attended the prayer vigil, said:
'The Catholic Church has always held that that all human life from the moment of conception to its natural ending must be protected and respected. In particular, relevant to this prayer vigil, the Church teaches us that from the moment of its existence, the unborn child has the inviolable human right to life.'
'Together with Catholics, priests and laymen, and with other Christians, I offered my prayers for those women who are considering an abortion and also prayed that our society will come to respect the sanctity of the life of the unborn child.'
'The large number of people who attended the prayer vigil shows that increasing numbers are opposed to our society’s “culture of death” and are horrified that in 2010 almost 190.000 abortions took place in England and Wales.'
God's grace
'It has been reported that the 40 Days of Life prayer vigil in London has enabled some women considering an abortion to change their minds. Such a change of heart that leads to the saving of the life of an unborn child, is a demonstration of God’s grace – an outcome to be welcomed.'
'It is also important that practical help and assistance is provided for women who decide against having an abortion. Such advice is available from counselling and support organisations with a Catholic and Christian ethos, including the City Pregnancy Counselling and Psychotherapy service and members of the Good Counsel Network.'
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