After it was revealed that the Madison Surgery Center was slated to begin performing late-term abortions, Vigil for Life spearheaded the first-ever Wisconsin Defend Life Rally. Held on January 3, 2009 and sponsored by pro-life organizations from across the state, the rally drew nearly 2,000 people to Library Mall in downtown Madison. 40 Days for Life founder Shawn Carney and former abortionist Dr. Haywood Robinson served as the keynote speakers, inspiring the participants before a march to the Madison Surgery Center.
On Saturday, February 6, 2010, EMC Frontline Crisis Pregnancy Center founder Chris Slattery was the keynote speaker at the rally. Just months after the event, it was announced that late-term abortion plans at the Madison Surgery Center were scrapped.
