The Temperature? 30 degrees. Subtract ten. A mild wind? Subtract another five. So I dress accordingly. A couple of hours may seem like twice as many. I arrive before 8:00 AM and three people are already there, holding their signs and praying. (We stand on the sidewalk in front of the abortion mill, not trespassing on "Private Property"). One large sign depicts the face of a baby entitled: "Life." Soon a group from Bradley University arrives and they pray for awhile before going to class. A worker from a local hospital comes and joins us in prayer, with her sign: "ABORTION HAS TWO VICTIMS - ONE DEAD, ONE WOUNDED." Another faithful picketer (a retired mailman), arrives holding a poster showing a realistic picture of a baby's head being held by forceps, with the question "MATTER OF CHOICE?" On his way to work a lawyer stops by to pray and picket with a hand-lettered sign giving a warning: "The Womb Is The Most Dangerous Place In The World." My poster bears the message: "GOOD OR BAD - LIFE IS FOREVER."

Workers from the abortion mill have been driving in and clients also begin to enter. Some pass by, hoping to get in by another way to avoid going by us, their maneuvers would be amusing if the issue was not so serious. Many couples enter, a few with a baby seat in the back of their car. We stand silent, raising our signs and praying. The responses are varied. Some laugh at our efforts to inform them of the risks and dangers. Others give us 'the finger', make a face, or stick out their tongue. Many try to avoid eye contact, bending down below window level or shielding their face with their hand. Once a couple drove in and the girl had her coat over her head. Some look sad and unhappy. We pray earnestly, knowing that while some may disregard the consequences, many do not know the effects of abortion, especially the very young and the first timers. The number of clients usually range ranges between twenty and thirty when the abortion mill is doing 'business' twice a week on Wednesdays and Thursdays. We believe that saving the life of a baby is VERY worthwhile and that God will bless our efforts. We are trying to serve Him and invite others to share His work and rewards.

Sister Mary Jo Yutt

Sister Mary Jo is a member of the board of directors of Central Illinois Right To Life. She is also affiliated with the Family Resources Center, of Peoria.

Email Sister Mary Jo at:   cirtl@cirtl.org