In 2019, a chapter of the global pro-life organisation 40 Days for Life was banned from holding prayer vigils near the Pro Familia in Pforzheim, which is the German affiliate of the International Planned Parenthood Federation, a multi-billion dollar abortion organization.

40 Days for Life challenged the court’s ban since it restricts their right to freedom of religion, assembly and speech, Alliance Defending Freedom International, a faith-based legal advocacy group, reported. The German court dismissed the pro-life group’s challenge on May 12, so the prayer vigils remain prohibited.  

Pavica Vojnović, the pro-life prayer group’s leader, led forty-day vigils twice a year with around twenty people outside the pre-abortion advisery facility to pray for the women considering abortion and their pre-born children. Even though Vojnović had been granted the necessary permissions to hold the vigils, the municipality has banned the group from praying near the facility for the past two years. 

Pro Familia, Germany’s leading sexual and reproductive health and abortion rights organisation, demanded the vigils be banned altogether or moved further away, even though the silent and peaceful vigils didn’t prevent anyone from entering the building, and the police found no violations of the law. 

“Every life is valuable and deserves protection,” Vojnović said in a statement. “I am shocked that we are being prevented from supporting vulnerable women and their unborn children in prayer.”

“It’s discouraging to hear that silent prayer vigils in a public place are restricted by local authorities,” she continued. “Our society must offer better support to mothers in difficult situations. This topic really touches my heart, because I’ve stood by many women who have suffered the pain of losing a child.”

Vojnović plans to continue the fight to restore her rights to freedom of religion, assembly and speech in court through the assistance of ADF International. 

Source: christianpost.com