I have been involved with pregnancy resource centers since 1987, serving in many different roles, from volunteer counselor, to post abortion group leader, to board member, and finally nurse manager. Our PRC in Marietta, Georgia began offering ultrasound in 1998. I began instructing with the National Institute of Family & Life Advocates in 2000, teaching nursing and ultrasound, as well as doing some on-site training in ultrasound at centers around the country.

While training to become a registered sonographer, I attended an educational conference in Atlanta in 2000, called "The Masters Meet the Challenges of the New Millennium." The instructors (the Masters) were world known physicians in obstetrical ultrasound. I have hardly ever been so disturbed at the arrogance of instructors who placed so little value on the lives of preborn children, especially those who are less than "perfect." One physician stated, "Obstetrical ultrasound has been called a search and destroy mission," then went on to add, "and for the element of the population who would abort, it is."

Ultrasound, like any technology, is itself neutral, but can be used for great evil. It all depends on the purpose for which the technology is used. Perhaps our much-loved son, Jamie, would have been aborted, or his birth mother encouraged to abort him, if his abnormally small head size (an indication of microcephaly, which results in retardation) had been detected before birth. Perhaps because of this special child, who is so much a part of our lives and our family, I am determined that I will use my knowledge and skills to "search and defend" the lives of preborn children. And I am more convinced than ever that ultrasound is an invaluable technological tool that pregnancy centers must use in their efforts to protect and defend life.

Audrey Stout, R.N., R.D.M.S., National Nurse Manager
National Institute of Family & Life Advocates
http://www.nifla.org/

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.