Women who are considering abortion need accurate information in order to make fully informed decisions. This decision is likely the most important one they’ll ever make, and it is essential that they take the time to fully weigh the impact of such a decision—upon their lives and the lives the lives of their preborn babies.

Ultrasound is a vital tool for a woman’s health and decision-making process, and is used to provide her with a diagnosis of if she is even truly pregnant, and if so, if that pregnancy is viable. As well, diagnosis of potential health-endangering conditions (such as ectopic pregnancies or occurring miscarriages) provide opportunities for immediate medical intervention.

Women who undergo ultrasound examinations are more likely to seek early prenatal care, and less likely to choose abortion as an answer to a challenging pregnancy.As well, the support they receive through pro-life providers often makes the crucial difference in their decision to carry their babies.

As of March 2008, Focus on the Family has gathered statistical research of over 411,838 women from its Option Ultrasound™ Program on the benefit of ultrasound. Reported statistics reveal that 91% of women who are considering abortion decide to carry their babies to term after receiving a combination of counseling and ultrasound at Pregnancy Medical Clinics.

It is reported that 39% more women choose life for their babies after viewing an ultrasound over women who receive counseling alone.

From the inception of the program in 2004, through 2010, Focus on the Family plans to place a total of 650 ultrasound machines and trainings in qualified Pregnancy Medical Clinics that have implemented the Option Ultrasound Program. Between March 2004, when reporting commenced, through March 2008, it is estimated that 84,000 women at-risk for abortion will have stated their intention to carry to term after receiving ultrasound and counseling services.

Kim Conroy
Consultant, Sanctity of Human Life
Focus on the Family

Map: Current locations of our Ultrasound machines

Kim is the Director of the Sanctity of Human Life department at Focus on the Family