Some people may ask “How important is an ultrasound machine in a crisis pregnancy center?” They need to understand that while our counselors are trained with “all the right words” and have all of the information and knowledge needed to help women make the choice for life. For some women, words just don’t sink in. People in crisis react differently – they may not remember what was said or may not hear the facts. Words simply cannot answer the questions swirling in their heads.
A picture is the answer they need. At this crucial point, the most valuable tool in saving lives is a life-affirming ultrasound. This tool proves that “a picture is worth a thousand words” and “seeing is believing.” Women that have entered our center hardened and defensive often shed a tear or stare in disbelief when shown the image of their new life. A head, belly, arms, legs, even fingers and toes! What some try to dismiss as a blob of tissue is revealed as a living human being. In that moment, minds are changed and life is chosen.
Related Research
Much research has been done to establish the power of the ultrasound. A national organization called Carenet® recently collected statistics from over 500 centers around the nation. In 2003, it was determined that of those centers that had the use of ultrasound images, 83% of the abortion-minded clients choose life. In the centers that used counseling alone, only 53% of the women chose to carry their child to term.
Emergency Pregnancy Services (EPS) has had amazing responses from using the ultrasound machine. In recent years, we have experienced anywhere from 72% to 100% of changed minds. One area center that doesn’t have the benefit of an ultrasound program reported their “changed minds” to be an average of 35% in the past three years.
Additional Benefits
The power of a scan continues far beyond that initial choice for life. A scan can allow for the critical bonding needed for good choices throughout a pregnancy. Many women eliminate high risk behaviors such as smoking or drugs after seeing the effects it can have on their child. It also allows for accurate dating of a pregnancy – an important piece of information to getting good prenatal care.