Single, alone and facing an unintended pregnancy — although these words identify many of the young women we serve at Life Choices, this was a new set of circumstances for 24-year-old Lee King. Having just ended a rocky 6-year relationship with her boyfriend, Lee was ready to move on with her life. Working full-time at a veterinary clinic, she was looking for a house to rent and thinking about starting college. But then, she started getting sick in the mornings. The home pregnancy test was positive. Lee was estranged from her family and feeling very much alone. Abortion seemed like the only choice.

Lee's visit to Life Choices did so much more than provide counseling and ultrasound. It opened a window of hope that she could take responsibility for her baby, develop a plan for successful parenting and learn how to put her life back on track with God and her family. In Lee's words, "Life Choices changed my life." Here's how Lee tells her story . . .

Before I came to Life Choices and received a free ultrasound, I didn't think just seeing a picture would impact me at all. I just knew that I needed an ultrasound if I was going to have an abortion. I had no idea the bond that I would feel with my baby through the experience of seeing him on the ultrasound.

When I first saw my baby's ultrasound image, I was in shock, overwhelmed, scared and excited all at the same time. I remember thinking that he looked like a little peanut or a shrimp, but I mostly remember seeing his teenie, tiny heart beating — so fast! It was real and it was in me! Although a part of me was still scared, seeing my baby on ultrasound made me look at my pregnancy in a different way. I already knew I was pregnant, but now it was real.

I didn't share the pictures with most of my family or friends because I knew some of them had mixed feelings and felt I should have an abortion. They were concerned that I was not a strong enough person to handle the responsibility. I did share them with my sister and with the baby's father. My sister was thrilled — beyond thrilled. Cort's dad didn't have much to say, but he sure looked at the picture for a long time. Both of us were on an emotional roller coaster, but I knew that ultimately the responsibility would fall on me to make a decision about my pregnancy. I kept the picture for me.

Without the ultrasound, I honestly don't know what I would have chosen. I know the ultrasound made a huge impact on my decision. I made a life-affirming decision because of God, prayer and Life Choices. Thank you for showing me how to find my way. If Life Choices and so many people I don't even know had not been there for me, I'm not sure that I'd have my beautiful boy. I learned just how strong a person I am and that God was always there for me. Life Choices saved a life the day I walked into their building.

Lee visited Life Choices, Inc.

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.