Logo of the Religious Coalition for Reproductive Choice
A religious group in Humboldt County, California is initiating a new, pro-choice grassroots movement in support of abortion rights called “40 Days of Prayer Supporting Women Everywhere.” Clergy for Choice offers a message of support for women dealing with reproductive issues, including pregnancy. A 2-page, tri-fold brochure describing the effort (pdf) says, “We are religious leaders who value all human life. We trust you to decide about your sexuality & planning your family. Humboldt County Clergy are available to talk with you about the spiritual aspects of sexuality and reproductive choice.” The back of the brochure lists daily prayers supporters are urged to make on each of the 40 days, like: Day 1: “Today we pray for women for whom pregnancy is not good news, that they know they have choices,” Day 11: “Today we pray for better access to all forms a birth control.” Day 22: “Today we pray for women in developing nations, that they may know the power of self-determination. May they have access to employment, education, birth control and abortion.” The brochure was written by Faith Aloud, a group that provides spiritual resources for women considering options to deal with their pregnancies. Clergy for Choice’s Forty Days of Prayer runs from March 18 to April 27, 2012, and is meant to counter “40 Days of Prayer for Life” that took place between February 22 and April 1, a religious effort that encouraged people to stand in front of Planned Parenthood clinics or on “highly visible intersections” and engage in public prayer and self-denial efforts like fasting, with a goal of closing abortion clinics across the country.