For Immediate Release
March 10, 2010

Wisconsin Religious Coalition and Pro-Choice Wisconsin
Launch Counter-Protest Campaign

The Wisconsin Religious Coalition for Reproductive Choice and NARAL Pro-Choice Wisconsin have launched a fund raising campaign called “Forty4Forty” to counteract “40 Days for Life” picketers in Madison, Wausau, and throughout the state.  The Forty4Forty campaign will encourage public supporters of access to reproductive health care and reproductive rights to make an on-line contribution to end harassment of patients and employees at pro-choice clinics.

Self-styled “prayer vigil” protestors have been maintaining a presence outside family planning clinics and abortion clinics through Lent in 167 communities across the country.  Organizers of the Forty4Forty campaign hope to use the picketers’ presence to help people who support family planning and access to safe and legal abortion express that support with a contribution.  Funds will be directed locally to advocacy and patient services.

“The Forty4Forty Campaign will give people who support reproductive health care a way to demonstrate their support,” said Cathy Thompson, executive director of WRCRC. “We cannot allow one religious point-of-view to shove all the others aside.”

Lisa Subeck, executive director of NARAL Pro-Choice Wisconsin, said: “This campaign enables and empowers people to counter protest in a constructive way. Forty4Forty takes negative anti-contraception anti-abortion protesters and uses their presence to contribute to essential health care.”

The counter-protest campaign will post a sign at the Wausau offices of Family Planning Health Services today to begin soliciting contributions. Local congregations have also offered their support in the effort. While the 40 Days for Life protests go on, the Forty4Forty fundraising will continue to solicit funds for reproductive health care and reproductive rights advocacy. More information and pledge opportunities are available on line at www.Forty4Forty.org and www.Forty4Forty.com.

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For more information contact:
Cathy Thompson -- (608) 756-0156
Lisa Subeck --- (608) 358-7090