Near the end of the day, Lilly* slowly walked into our office with her mom. Both of their faces were pale and heavy with the strain of fear, telling a story without words. Yes, this young woman was pregnant, an unfamiliar struggle after working so diligently to defeat a tough drug habit for the past two years. Lilly tearfully described how she was trying to pull it all together…now what? Her advisors had suggested abortion; she was paralyzed with dread and overwhelming emotions.

Lilly's Alternatives counselor helped to calm her by listening well, bringing in the soothing perspective of a timeline for decisions, reassuring Lilly that she could continue to stay away from drugs and diluting the sensation of sudden panic.

An ultrasound appointment was scheduled and kept. Lilly's baby measured nine weeks and moved in innocence with grace and beauty. Even Josh*, the father of the baby, once apprehensive and guarded, began asking questions with focused interest. The ultrasound connected the hearts of these parents with their developing child.

In the midst of what seemed like dreary circumstances, these parents decided to make a plan to carry their baby and become a family together. Our new mom is at home with baby Novella, while dad works to provide well for them.

After a recent visit, while sweet Novella was snuggly wrapped in a pink blanket and sleeping soundly in their living room, Josh spoke about the ultrasound they received at Alternatives. He said, "That's when it became real for me." And, Lilly, quietly and happily, announced that she and Josh had just married last week.

We celebrate the formation of this precious new family — and Novella, a tiny, breathing story — with a huge message to all who will hear. We are delighted to be part of their lives and thank Focus on the Family's Option Ultrasound Program for providing the tool that continues to reveal the gift of life everyday.

Lilly visited Alternatives Pregnancy Center.

*Lilly and Josh are not their real names.

Faces of Option Ultrasound Index

All Pregnancy Medical Clinics in the Option Ultrasound Program provide limited obstetrical ultrasound as medically indicated.  Clinics are licensed to operate under the supervision of a physician, using only trained sonographers. Focus on the Family does not endorse the use of ultrasound outside of a medical clinic setting and does not endorse the use of ultrasound for non-medical reasons.  Patient referrals are made to physicians for follow-up diagnosis and care as needed.