The Need for Option Ultrasound Program Program

• Among women considering abortion, surveys indicate that 57 percent will keep their babies after receiving counseling at a pregnancy resource center. That figure jumps to 79 percent when expectant mothers see an image of their baby on an ultrasound machine.
• As of January 2003, only 350 of the 2,300 pregnancy resource centers in the U.S. offered ultrasound.
• Between the inception of Option Ultrasound Program in January 2004 and the year 2010, Focus on the Family's goal is to equip 650 pregnancy resource centers with ultrasound services (comprising either a machine or on-site sonography training).
• We give grants to participating centers which cover 80 percent of the costs associated with offering ultrasound services.
• Since 2004, 88 services have been placed in 27 states, with 21 of those comprising sonography trainings.

Ultrasound Technology -Recent News Stories

• A recent New York Times article, published on February 1, 2005, highlighted the use of ultrasound equipment in pregnancy centers. Mentioned in the news-breaking story was the Bowie Crofton Pregnancy Center and Medical Clinic. This center was viciously vandalized on the anniversary of Roe v Wade. Days later, the center opened to serve women with ultrasound services. A picture of one of the clients and her baby girl saved by the ultrasound was pictured on the cover of the New York Times article.
• Additionally, a new National Geographic documentary aired on Sunday, March 6, called, "In the Womb." The documentary explored the life of a child growing from a single cell to a full grown baby in the womb. You can see the documentary on the National Geographic Web site at: NationalGeographic.com.