January 22 is designated as a particular day of prayer and penance for Catholics in the United States, called the “Day of Prayer for the Legal Protection of Unborn Children.” The General Instruction of the Roman Missal (GIRM), no. 373, directs: In all the Dioceses of the United States of America, January 22 (or January 23, when January 22 falls on a Sunday) shall be observed as a particular day of prayer for the full restoration of the legal guarantee of the right to life and of penance for violations to the dignity of the human person committed through acts of abortion.