On a cool November evening, a young couple walked into Parkridge — our pregnancy medical clinic that has served young women and their families since 1993. They wanted a pregnancy test and an ultrasound to see how far along the pregnancy was before they scheduled an abortion. Christin was a senior in high school and her boyfriend, Ronald, had graduated the previous year.

Christin had many concerns about becoming a parent. She was worried about being too young to handle the responsibility. She was also afraid of disappointing her Dad — she was sure he would want her to have an abortion. Christin was also dealing with the fact that her mom was not a part of her life. Christin, like most high school seniors, had hopes and dreams for her life after graduation. She planned to attend college and even go on to medical school. How could she accomplish these goals if she had a baby? Ronald wasn't sure what he wanted to do about the pregnancy, but he knew he wanted to support Christin.

When Christin sat down to talk with Deanna, our Parkridge Client Advocate, she immediately burst into tears — so many emotions, so much fear, so much confusion, and such a need to talk it all over with someone. Knowing how an ultrasound can often bring clarity to a confusing situation, our Nurse Sonographer performed an ultrasound for Christin and Ronald. After the first ultrasound, they were still unsure of what to do, so the nurse scheduled a follow-up appointment.

When they returned, Ronald's mom, Donna, came with them. She told our Nurse, "Christin doesn't have a relationship with her mother, so I think she is scared to become a mother." Christin, Ronald and Donna watched the ultrasound monitor — they saw the flicker of the heartbeat and the movement of the baby's hands — and their hearts began to change. A few days later, Christin called to tell the nurse that they had decided not to have an abortion.

On December 6, they returned to Parkridge to share the news that Christin had told her Dad about her pregnancy and his reaction was not at all what she had expected. Instead of being disappointed, he was supportive and even "excited." Not only did they choose life for their little one, but Ronald and Christin also chose to get married. On May 31, 2008, they welcomed a healthy baby girl named Brooklyn Breann into their home.

Now, it's the beginning of a new year, and this little family has just celebrated their baby's first Thanksgiving, first Christmas and first New Year. There will be many "firsts" for this young husband and wife. But, one anniversary they will not have to dread is the day they terminated their first pregnancy. Instead, they will celebrate Brooklyn's first birthday, her first tooth and their first time to hear "Mommy" and "Daddy." What an honor and blessing to be involved in a ministry that gets to be a part of new beginnings and happy endings!

Christin visited Parkridge.

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.