Approximately only 350 of 2300 pregnancy resource centers nationwide currently use ultrasound technology obtained prior to this program. But with Clinton as the first, Focus hopes to have implemented 2-D ultrasound into the services of another 650 centers by the year 2010, greatly expanding ultrasound opportunities for women in unplanned pregnancies.

Focus on the Family created the program after conducting a survey on the effectiveness of ultrasound services. After speaking with 334 centers across the nation, the findings indicated that 57 percent of women considering abortions decide to keep their baby after receiving counseling. That number jumps to 79 percent when such women see an ultrasound image of their baby for the first time. ¹ With the motto, “Revealing Life to Save Life,” the program is intended to preserve the lives of babies and protect mothers from the painful effects of abortion. Karen Abbott, director of Clinton’s center, believes that this early glimpse of life will have a very positive effect. “We’re so excited about the opportunity to show moms, and hopefully dads, that there is actually a living being with a beating heart growing inside them,” she says.

Aside from the important addition of ultrasound services, the Clinton Pregnancy Resource Center has been serving the community in a number of ways since 1985. Dedicated to meeting the needs of women, they offer help via a 24 hour phone line, material aid such as maternity and baby clothing, adoption support and services, parenting and child birth classes, post abortion aid, and a men’s program.

The May presentation will also serve as a grand reopening for the Center to publicly alert the community to its new joint services as a counseling and medical facility. The official presentation and grand reopening event will take place at 5 p.m. on May 7 at the Clinton Pregnancy Resource Center. General public and media are invited to attend.