Councils provide funds to Pregnancy Care Centers for New Medical Technology

Through the Ultrasound Initiative, since 2009, state and local Knights of Columbus councils have teamed up with the Supreme Council to fund over 1500 ultrasound machines, costing over $36 million, for placement in pro-life pregnancy care centers (PCCs) in all 50 states, as well as in Canada, Guatemala, Jamaica, and Peru.

"WINDOW ON THE WOMB"

The sophistication of today's medical technology provides a "window on the womb" said Supreme Knight Carl A. Anderson.  "Even from the early stages of pregnancy, a mother can see her developing child, hear the baby's heartbeat, and to recognize the miracle of the new life within her."

Ultrasound exams which are medically indicated throughout pregnancy for a variety of diagnostic reasons, use ultrasound waves to scan a women's abdomen, creating a picture, or "sonogram," of the baby in her womb.  Without the K of C support, most PCCs would be unable to purchase an ultrasound machine, which usually costs tens of thousands of dollars, or a vehicle to serve as a mobile medical unite, often costing from $100,000 to $250,000.

State and local councils desiring to participate in the Ultrasound Initiative should refer to the Ultrasound Initiative Guidelines (#4885) for program requirements.  Councils must raise half of the funds for purchase of an ultrasound machine, or all of the funds for purchase of a vehicle outfitted as a mobile medical unit, before submitting an Ultrasound Initiative Application (#4886) to the Supreme Council Office for funding.  The answers to some Frequently Asked Questions (See Guidebook) provide additional information about the funding programs.

Before any fundraising begins, review Qualifying a Pregnancy Care Center in Collaboration with the Local Diocese (#9885).  Them  present the Diocesan Evaluation (#4884) to the diocesan culture of life director.  After being completed and signed by the diocesan culture of life director, the Diocesan Evaluation form should be submitted to the Culture of Life Office at the Supreme Council Office.  After the Culture of Life Office advises that the PCC may be considered for inclusion in the Ultrasound Initiative program, fundraising may then begin, provided that the council and the PCC will also meet each of the other criteria listed in the Ultrasound Initiatives Guidelines.

The Knights of Columbus Ultrasound Initiative seeks to provide medically certified pro-life PCCs with the modern technology to monitor the health of babies in utero and to allow mothers to visually experience their development.

The Knights of Columbus Ultrasound initiative provides two options for funding purchase of ultrasound equipment for a PCC:

Ultrasound Machine Funding: When a state an/or local Knights of Columbus council raises 50% of the cost of purchasing an ultrasound machine, the Supreme Council will provide a grant for the other 50% of the machine's cost.

Ultrasound-Equipped Mobil Unit Funding: When a state and/or local council raises the funds necessary to cover the full costs of a vehicle that is outfitted to house an ultrasound machine, the Supreme Council will provide a grant equal to 50% of the cost of the ultrasound machine that is to be used in the vehicle (provided the funds raised for the purchase/outfitting of the vehicle are equal to at least 50% of the cost of the ultrasound machine).  Depending on the cost of the vehicle and the amount of funds raised, the Supreme Council will also provide additional funds, up to 50% of the remaining cost of the ultrasound machine, potentially covering up to 100% of the cost of the machine. Refer to examples for illustrative purposes provided in the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) of the guidebook.

ULTRASOUND MACHINE BLESSING

Pictured above: Lucy Bayer, MD, Division of Chief of MFM; Paul O'Sullivan and Paul Flanagan, Knights of Columbus representatives; Cardinal Sean O'Malley; and Harry Bane.