Those looking for ways to defend the sanctity of human life this fall are invited to take part in “40 Days for Life,” a campaign of prayer, fasting, and pro-life witness to end abortion scheduled from Sept. 22 to Oct. 31.

Public vigils are planned outside Planned Parenthood centers in Champaign and Peoria.

The 40-day vigil in Champaign will take place outside Planned Parenthood at 302 E. Stoughton St. The facility provides the abortion pill up to 10 weeks of pregnancy and refers for other abortion services. Individuals can sign up for time slots at 40daysforlife.com/champaign. For more information, contact Sandi Ostrowski at (217) 841-1943 or sostrow@mchsi.com.

Meanwhile, the public vigil in Peoria will be on the public right-of-way outside of Planned Parenthood’s offices at 2709 N. Knoxville Ave. Individuals can sign up for time slots at 40daysforlife.com/peoria.

The Peoria campaign opens with a kickoff rally on Tuesday, Sept. 21, from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Riverside Community Church, 207 N.E. Monroe St. The rally’s featured speaker will be a sidewalk counselor who has brought to Peoria “Embrace Grace,” a ministry that comes to the aid of women in unplanned pregnancies and supports young single parents.

Father William Miller, chairman of the Diocese of Peoria’s Respect Life Board, will offer the kickoff rally’s opening prayer. The event will also feature music and a closing prayer by Pastor John King of Riverside Community Church.

For more information, contact Karen Guth at (309) 453-7493 or godshelperkaren@gmail.com.

40 Days for Life is an internationally coordinated 40-day campaign that aims to end abortion locally through prayer and fasting, community outreach, and a peaceful all-day vigil in front of abortion businesses. More information is available at 40DaysforLife.com.