The anti-abortion group claims they are holding peaceful vigils for 40 days to raise awareness, rather than judge women.

40 Days For Life is an international Christian organisation that claims it is ‘helping to end the injustice of abortion’. Its first campaign took place in 2007, and has reached over 1000 cities in 63 countries.

Mrs Woods, who assists in running the organisations helplines, said:  “We believe life is a gift. Abortion hurts women – they think it’s a right to choose, but it does hurt women.”