"Option Ultrasound is a GO!"

The simple sign hung on the nurses' office announced the joyous news that everyone was waiting to hear. After an intense qualification process through Focus on the Family's Option Ultrasound Program™ (OUP), the LifeChoices Medical Clinic of Joplin, MO had passed with raving reviews. The months of clerical preparation, legal audits, information seminars and on-site visits paved the way for the new ultrasound machine to be placed.

OUP is equipping 650 qualified Pregnancy Resource Centers (PRCs) across the country with ultrasound technology, training, and improved operations, in order to help protect women's health and save the lives of their preborn babies. Through this grant program, LifeChoices received 80% of the funds needed for the new ultrasound machine and was ready to join with Focus in saying, "With each baby’s life saved, we hope to impact families for the kingdom of God."

And what an impact! The same day the announcement was posted, three women met their babies for the very first time as their ultrasound images opened a window to the womb:

• Amy was recovering from a meth addiction. She and her boyfriend came in to LifeChoices desperate to end the pregnancy and move on – the appointment for the abortion was already made in Tulsa. On seeing the three month fetus wiggle and kick on the screen, Amy and the father of the baby displayed shock and amazement – the appointment was cancelled and names for the new baby were being discussed.
• An hour later, Marti, a young lesbian came in – she had been drunk and slept with a man only once and was pregnant. As the tiny heart flickered with the steady pitter patter beat, the maternal thawing began, a smile came to Marti's face and reached from her heart – "I'm going to be a Mom."
• Denise had survived cancer and was considering abortion because she was sure that the treatments she had undergone would never allow her to carry a healthy baby. Once again, the tiny flicker of her child's heart radiated from the screen – the steady, rhythmic beat undeniably showing the life within. With tears in her eyes, she held her boyfriend's hand. The wedding date would be moved up; a new family of three began to bond.

With every opportunity to share the wonder of ultrasound, comes the opportunity to share the love of Christ. That love may come with gentle confrontation, kind encouragement, or redeeming grace. No one scenario is the same, every situation unique, but the overwhelming results when God’s love stands in the gap is unanimous – revealing life, to save life™.

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.