By Kristi Judkins, Executive Director of Iowa Right to Life
Psalm 27:14 – Wait on the Lord, be of good courage, and He shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the Lord.
As I ponder this scripture, I can say that I am guilty of doubting the Lord’s timing personally and professionally. I do believe that the Lord is faithful to answer prayer, I just want to hurry Him up a bit. We all need encouragement for our hearts, especially as pro-life prayer warriors and champions.
In His timing, the Southside Des Moines, Iowa, Planned Parenthood clinic has closed! This is wonderful news worth celebrating, which we eventually will. I give thanks to all those who were steadfast and committed, long before my participation. This closure is the encouragement needed to remind us that the Lord is victorious and if we humble ourselves and pray, He will heal our wicked land.
But the work is not finished. There are two locations left in the Des Moines Metropolitan area. And surgical abortions are now offered at the Planned Parenthood clinic in Ames, located near the Iowa State University campus.
According to a news release on Planned Parenthood North Central States website, the two remaining Des Moines area locations (Susan Knapp clinic in the Drake neighborhood and the one in the suburb of Urbandale) will eventually consolidate. No date was given or location of the new site.
So, for now, Iowa Right to Life will be on the right of way in Urbandale as well as join the vigil in Ames. There are also plans to join the vigil in Iowa City, but that date and time has yet to be determined. The upcoming schedule is as follows:
Urbandale: Thursday, February 15th from 10 – 11 and Wednesday, March 13th from 10-11.
(3303 109th Street, Urbandale, IA 50322)
Ames: Wednesday, February 21st from 1-2 and Thursday, March 21st from 1-2.
(2530 Chamberlain Street, Ames, IA 50014)
If you are interested in joining us at either location, or carpooling to Iowa City, please email me at kristi@irlc.org.
IRTL will post updates to the 40 Days for Life schedule if additional dates or locations are added. Refer to https://www.40daysforlife.com/en/desmoines for more information.