JACKSON, MI -- More than 100 people flooded the sidewalk outside of Planned Parenthood on Wednesday, Sept. 23, during a kickoff rally for 40 Days for Life.



Throughout the next 40 days, people will be outside Planned Parenthood from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., praying to end abortion.



"The community of Jackson believes abortion is a horrible, sad, terrible thing and there is always a better solution," organizer Beth Thorrez said. "We are beginning 40 days prayer and fasting to bring an end to abortion."



Yard signs lined the sidewalk saying, "Pray to end abortion" during the half-hour event featuring song and prayer.



Jackson resident Stephanie Rush stood near the front of the crowd, listening, singing and praying as she held her daughter, Regan, 5, in front of her.



Rush said she came out to support the teachings of the Catholic church. She has a connection to the anti-abortion movement, because she is not able to have additional children, she said.



"As much as I want (another) child, I am able to do this, I am able to share my love ... with these women who are considering giving up their children," she said.

In addition to the daily prayer outside of Planned Parenthood, Thorrez said the fasting strengthens prayer.

Fasting is a personal decision, she said.

"The idea is to do some kind of penitential act, give some kind of sacrifice, which is biblical and empowers our prayer," she said.



For the past 10 years, Thorrez said she's been praying in front of Planned Parenthood because the anti-abortion movement is important to her.



"In a way, I don't have a choice," she said. "It's something God has put in my heart."