Ashley came to Women's Pregnancy Center, referred by the local Public Health Department. When she arrived, Ashley was visibly stressed. She was greeted by our receptionist with a hug and was reassured she would be taken care of.

In the counseling room, Ashley released a lot of her emotions. With many words and tears, she told us that she had just begun a new chapter in her life and a baby was not part of her plans. She was very confused and undecided on what to do. We talked for quite awhile about her options and the consequences of each of them, and Ashley sincerely weighed her options. We offered her a free ultrasound, and she asked her sister and Eric, her baby's father, to come into the exam room to support her.

The ultrasound showed an early eight-week pregnancy, and the heartbeat was in plain sight and beating strong. The room grew very quiet and then more tears flooded the room. What a powerful moment! Ashley was amazed at how small this little human was inside of her, yet it already had a heartbeat and all the parts of its tiny body beginning to develop.

When the ultrasound was done, we prayed with Ashley and her family, concluding with hugs, laughter and tears. She said she knew she was now going to keep the baby, but that there were still other matters to work out. We reassured her that Women's Pregnancy Center would be there for her whenever she needed anything — whether it would be a shoulder to cry on, an encouraging word or whatever she might need.

Throughout her pregnancy, Ashley would occasionally stop by to see us and show us her growing tummy. Every time she came in she was glowing and growing more excited for this precious baby boy to arrive.

Finally on August 2, 2008, Taytum was born and two days later we got a visit from Ashley, Eric and their sweet baby. Both parents were just bursting with joy on their new arrival! They thanked us over and over, and we shared with them what a blessing they have been in our lives as well! Ashley still keeps in contact with us and brings Taytum up to visit. It is such a joy to see them each and every time!

Thank you God, thank you Focus on the Family for the ultrasound machine — a gift of life — and thank you Ashley for allowing us to share your story.

Ashley visited Women's Pregnancy Center.

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.