Rev. James D. Conley, D.D., S.T.L. | Diocese of Lincoln website

Sidewalk Advocates for Life is organizing a training session in Lincoln on March 1, aimed at equipping both sidewalk advocates and prayer partners. The event will run from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., with the location details provided upon registration. A suggested donation of $15 is requested to cover the cost of materials. Interested participants are required to register in advance by contacting Lisa McInerney.

The organization, recognized by their blue vests, recently took part in the Nebraska Walk for Life on February 1. Their mission is "to train, equip, and support communities across the U.S. and the world in sidewalk advocacy: to be the hands and feet of Christ, offering loving, life-affirming alternatives to all present at abortion facilities."

Lisa McInerney expressed gratitude for recent developments stating, “We are thankful for this great news, which is in part due to the prayers, presence and outreach of participants in the Sidewalk Advocates for Life and 40 Days for Life ministries.” Since April 2024, all abortion services have moved from Lincoln to Omaha's newly renovated Planned Parenthood (PP) facility.

McInerney noted that PP faced challenges finding new providers after a retirement in 2022 led to high turnover rates and inconsistent service days. She remarked on changes observed at PP Lincoln since they stopped performing abortions: "If they were doing chemical abortions," she said, "there would be many more clients."

Although no abortions are performed at PP Lincoln currently, it remains a referral center offering pregnancy tests and ultrasounds before referring clients elsewhere. Despite this shift in operations, McInerney emphasized continued vigilance: “Even though PP Lincoln is not doing abortions,” she stated, “PP is still the largest provider of abortion in the nation.”

The upcoming training aims to bolster efforts alongside other initiatives like Exodus events encouraging workers nationwide to leave the industry. The Lent 2025 Campaign of 40 Days for Life (40DFL) will also begin soon with peaceful vigils planned outside PP from March 5 through April 13.

A kickoff event for this campaign will occur on March 4 at Lincoln Right to Life. Participants are invited to bring food items as well as RSVP ahead of time.

Both SAFL and 40DFL welcome individuals from all faiths who share their pro-life stance.