The 40 Days for Life campaign has returned to Sydney amid renewed public discussion following recent media reports in Queensland concerning a baby allegedly born alive after an abortion in Townsville.
Queensland Health has indicated the matter is being investigated, prompting broader debate about existing laws and medical practices.
The debate was reignited after South Australian pro-life advocate Dr Joanna Howe posted an image of the “perfectly healthy” baby on social media she claimed was aborted at 16 weeks and died more than 30 minutes after birth.
Against that backdrop, the 40 Days for Life organisers say the campaign seeks to offer a peaceful and prayerful response to the reality of abortion.
The international initiative, which began in the United States around the early 2000s, has spread to cities around the world as a prayer-based witness outside abortion facilities. In Sydney, the vigil was launched on 17 February at St Thomas of Canterbury parish in Lewisham and will continue for 40 days, with participants praying daily from 7am to 7pm at NSW Parliament House.
The launch included a testimony from Anushka Firth, who spoke about her journey of healing and faith, encouraging others to pray and offer support to those who feel isolated or afraid.
Paul Hanrahan, director of Family Life International and a long-time pro-life advocate, said the campaign focuses on prayer and conversion of hearts.
He emphasised that the campaign’s tone is intentionally calm and non-confrontational.
“Your prayerful presence does a lot more than you think.”
Participants draw on the church’s tradition of prayer, including the rosary and Scripture, and are encouraged to register via the local Facebook page at so that “no one is left praying alone.”
Further information about the global movement is available at www.40daysforlife.com
Hanrahan said the long-term goal is cultural renewal grounded in faith and compassion.
“The only way out of the chaos society is in is conversion,” he said.
