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A group of pro life supporters are beginning a 40 day campaign to bring their message to Helena.

The 40 Days for Life event kicked off Thursday evening at Memorial Park.

Supporters will fast and pray for the next 40 days outside Helena Planned Parenthood.

40 Days for Life Campaign Coordinator Ben Seitz says the event is part of a national movement in several U.S. cities.

"We're hoping that with a peaceful, prayerful, loving witness that women can see us as a sign of hope and a ray of light in an otherwise very troubling and hopeless situation. They can reach out to us and we can provide assistance with alternatives to abortion," Seitz says.

Seitz says everyone participating must sign a statement of peace which prevents them from harassing patients entering the facility. He says they will stand on the public right-of-way and will not come onto private property.

Lindsay Love of Planned Parenthood of Montana reminds people that 90% of the services they provide are prevention services.

Love says Planned Parenthood provides everything from annual exams, to cancer and STD screenings.

"Planned Parenthood of Montana respects every individuals right to hold their own personal beliefs especially when it comes to reproductive health care. Unfortunately, we think that these demonstrations especially in Montana and in Helena are more about intimidation and harassment of our health center staff and also of patients seeking primary care," Love says.

Love says Planned Parenthood has strong security policies to protect staff and patients. She urges any patients who are having trouble accessing the clinic to contact law enforcement.