Over the past several years, many Pregnancy Resource Centers (PRCs) have converted into Pregnancy Medical Clinics (PMCs), offering limited obstetrical ultrasound to women who are experiencing unintended pregnancies. These clinics have proven to be very effective in helping protect women's health and empowering many women to choose life for their preborn babies! That's why Option Ultrasound is committed to equipping and strengthening the PMCs and PRCs that want to reach women at-risk for abortion in their community.

So what's the difference between a PRC and a PMC and why does it matter?

A Pregnancy Resource Center (PRC) offers pregnancy tests, peer counseling and other supportive services to women who are facing an unintended pregnancy, which may include childbirth education and parenting classes, adoption counseling and support, post-abortion support, and practical support such as maternity/baby clothing, diapers, and furniture.

A Pregnancy Medical Clinic (PMC) is a medical clinic that operates under the supervision of a licensed physician and nurse manager. A PMC offers pregnancy tests, limited obstetrical ultrasound services and peer counseling to women facing an unintended pregnancy. As well, some may offer STI testing/treatment and/or prenatal care.  A PMC may also offer additional support services or refer women to helpful community programs, but the focus is on providing medical services for abortion-risk women.

In order to offer ultrasound services to women in its community, a clinic must be a medical facility operating under the supervision and direction of a licensed physician complying with the laws of its state, county, and city. The PMC should also comply with national standards as defined by the American Institute of Ultrasound Medicine.

Focus on the Family's Option Ultrasound™ Program (OUP) not only approves grants for ultrasound machines or sonography training for PMCs, but we understand that the cost and effort to convert into a medical clinic can be substantial.  That's why OUP offers medical conversion grants to provide step-by-step assistance through The Life Choice Project by the National Institute of Family and Life Advocates for qualifying PRCs. These grants are in addition to those for ultrasound machines and sonography training.

Why Does it Matter?
We are seeing great outcomes through the Option Program (OUP), which is strengthening and equipping PMCs across the U.S. Based on monthly statistics reported by participating clinics, we know that women at-risk for abortion who receive counseling and view an ultrasound of their baby are twice as likely to choose life than women who receive counseling alone.  

That's what OUP is all about! We want to help equip your center to function as a strong, effective, medical clinic offering ultrasound services. The first step is to apply for OUP. (For the entire OUP process, access our Funding Wheel here.) As you advance through the process, you will be invited to attend an upcoming Regional Information Meeting (RIM) through your OUP Site Representative. The meeting will provide vital information on:

• How operating according to standards of excellence will advance your entire ministry
• Why ultrasound services are so successful
• How to develop your finances for success and effectiveness
• How an effective board is essential to help your PMC succeed
• How to increase client outcomes
• How to develop a healthy organization
• Grants available: ultrasound machines, sonography trainings (didactic and hands-on) and medical conversions

The CEO/Executive Director and one board member will need to attend a Regional Information Meeting in order to meet OUP requirements. Once you get there – most of the cost is on us! There is no registration fee, and Focus on the Family will pay for 2 nights of your hotel stay for two people. Day one is our all-day board training and will be held from 9:00am – 5:00pm. The second day will include the specifics of the Option Ultrasound Program and operational trainings. It will begin at 9:00am and conclude by 3:00. Please plan on attending the full RIM.

Space will fill quickly, so once the timing has been determined for your center to attend, RSVP with Robyn Chambers at robyn.chambers@fotf.org. IMPORTANT: Please RSVP at least two weeks prior to the event!! (Do not call the hotel directly; all reservations must be made through Focus on the Family.) Once your reservation has been made, we will send an email confirmation with a full agenda attached.

2009 Regional Information Meetings
to be held at Focus on the Family, Colorado Springs, CO

• February 6-7
• May 1-2
• September 25-26

We look forward to hearing from you soon! We are here to serve you and to equip you to be viable, and not vulnerable!

Robyn Chambers, Manager
Option Ultrasound Program
Focus on the Family

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.