This year over 700 people attended the Heart of Illinois Life Chain on University and Glen Streets in Peoria on Sunday, October 4. We stood in prayer for the unborn. Our signs carried messages which responded to the lies of the culture of death. To the claim that abortion removes only tissue from a woman's body, we answer, in truth, that "Abortion Kills Children." To the claim that abortion is necessary for the well-being of women, we respond "Abortion Hurts Women." To the despair felt by many after abortion when they recognize the horrendous nature of their action, we invite them to know "Jesus Forgives and Heals."

Our Life Chain points the way for our country, as our signs remind us from the Declaration of Independence that "Life is the First Inalienable Right". We stood in penitence for our country and for our failure to protect the unborn, holding signs which state "Lord, Forgive Us and our Nation." Finally, for those contemplating abortion and for those families who cannot have children, we state the truth that "Adoption is the Loving Option."