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KEARNEY - The quote on the bathroom wall reads "Trust in the day, believe in the future."

The oversized tan couches in the counseling room envelope you like a bear hug.

A black cutout spelling "hope" can be seen in the hallway on the way to the exam room with the new 4D ultrasound machine.

The 4D ultrasound machine allows mothers to see their babies for possibly the first time.

For Life Choices Pregnancy Resource Center, the conversion to a medical clinic, which started about two years ago, also brought the addition of a 4D ultrasound machine for limited obstetrical ultrasounds, a physician and an interior makeover to their current office.

Executive Director Gay Tillotson said before Life Choices was converted to a medical clinic, the office was mainly a counseling center.

"We still do the same thing," Tillotson said. "It's taking it one step further."

Tillotson said in addition to offering free pregnancy tests, confidential counseling and after-abortion help, they also offer limited obstetrical ultrasounds.

Michele Krieger, medical director of Life Choices and gynecologist at Platte Valley Medical Group, said the first ultrasounds on the 4D ultrasound machine were performed last week.

She said the ultrasound is proof of pregnancy, enabling women to receive insurance and prenatal care early in their pregnancy.

"It just initiates earlier care, better care," Krieger said.

Krieger said ideally, one ultrasound would be performed at Life Choices, but they look at each situation individually. After a woman receives an ultrasound, she is referred to a physician to receive prenatal care.

Krieger enjoys performing the ultrasounds because she is "intimately involved with the ministry" instead of viewing photos of an ultrasound that has already been performed.

"I just smile because technology is just so amazing," she said, recalling the ultrasounds on the new 4D ultrasound machine. "It's one of the biggest blessings to watch that."

The 4D ultrasound machine allows mothers to see their baby in a 3D fashion, accentuating features not seen in a regular ultrasound.Tillotson said Life Choices is fortunate to have a medical doctor perform the ultrasounds. Having a medical director is required in order to be a medical clinic and provide the limited obstetrical ultrasounds.

She said Life Choices decided to convert to a medical clinic because every woman has a right to accurate information before making a decision about an unplanned pregnancy that could affect her physically, emotionally and spiritually.

Krieger said the ultrasounds can show women a heartbeat of their baby and whether the pregnancy is uterine and viable.

The ultrasound equipment, which totaled more than $100,000, was provided through donations from listeners of KROA Bridge Radio and the Knights of Columbus.

"When it came to purchasing the ultrasound equipment, God provided," Tillotson said.

The ultrasound machine was added in July.

Life Choices, a nonprofit organization, staffs 30 volunteers and two paid positions.

Tillotson said 70 percent of donations to Life Choices come from individuals, with 20 percent coming from churches and the remainder coming from organizations.

The donations also helped to remodel their current office at 3000 Second Ave., Suite 100.

"They literally donated thousands and thousands … so girls could feel valued when they walked through the doors," she said about the churches, businesses and individuals that donated goods or services to the remodel.

"They love being involved with something that makes a difference in someone's life."

Tillotson said those who visit Life Choices say it is a place where they aren't judged on their behavior and are able to make decisions on their own.

"At the end of the day and they know somebody that really cares for me, that's the goal," Krieger said.

"The last thing we want is someone saying, 'Why didn't you tell me?' We want to tell them," Tillotson said.

For more information on Life Choices call 234-9880 or visit www.freepregnancyoptions.com.

e-mail to:

sarah.mulder@kearneyhub.com

Life Choices Open House

Life Choices Pregnancy Resource Center plans an open house from 5-8 p.m. Thursday so members of the public can view the newly remodeled clinic, meet the staff and view the 4D ultrasound machine. Life Choices Pregnancy Resource Center is located at 3000 Second Ave., Suite 100.

Services offered

Services offered by Life Choices Pregnancy Resource Center

• Free pregnancy tests
• Confidential support
• Accurate information on all options
• Community referrals
• Adoption information
• Abortion recovery help for women and men
• Limited obstetrical ultrasound

Sources: www.freepregnancyoptions.com,

Gay Tillotson