An unprecedented number of attacks and persecution have happened at 40 Days for Life vigils internationally during Lent 2025, more than any other campaign.

In Jamaica, signs have been vandalized, and the leaders have faced death threats. 

Over 50 volunteers passed through on the first day to fill the vigil. They have had attacks of signs destroyed and death threats. Reports were given to the police, signs were stolen. The leader was also threatened personally, and they had security guards during vigil hours.

Media attention has been added to the threats and attacks. There is an underbelly of support for abortion in Jamaica, even though abortion is illegal. Many women have chosen life thanks to the Jamaica campaign. The team is holding on to the word of God. 

In Vienna, there has been a 24-hour prayer vigil with a tent outside the museum of abortion and contraception next to the largest abortion clinic in the country. The police have visited the vigil volunteers 3 times, while the tent was vandalized at the end of the campaign with spray paint. Some people dressed like Antifa came and smeared the tent before running away. 

In Frankfurt, the vigil can only occur with heavy police protection after 17 campaigns since 2017. Extremist feel even more encouraged to unleash their aggression. There are daily disruptions and provocations by masked and violence-prone extremists. 

In the United Kingdom, many leaders have been taken to court and have experienced fines or persecution based on peaceful, prayerful witness. Isabel Vaughan-Spruce, Adam Smith-Connor, and Livia Tossici-Bolt have had a similar experience of being taken to court for praying outside an abortion centre. 

Persecution is a strong word. Christians are still martyred in our world today. In Western nations, Christians are marginalized and vilified in less extreme but different ways.

Volunteers have received threats, been physically and verbally attacked, vilified, and slandered through false claims. But the witness is so powerful: the abuse received is almost always associated with a personal experience of abortion. The pain, hurt, and anger are from personal issues and have no other outlet. 

Abortion is a controversial topic that divides the population. Crowds applaud or oppose vehemently. It’s not a topic for any dinner party. But public witness is the most powerful way to personally reach the lives of others, regardless of the reaction.