Ultrasounds in schools change opinion about abortion in the US

How do ultrasound presentations work within classrooms?

Presentations are adapted according to the age of the students. For younger children, the focus is fun facts and music. In primary and secondary education, sessions include technical images, testimonies from people impacted by abortion and discussions with experts. The main objective is to show the reality of the baby’s development in the womb through medical technology in real time.

What is the impact of this method on students’ opinions on the topic?

Data collected by the organization indicates an average conversion rate of 56% among students who participate in the sessions. This happens because the program uses a holistic approach, combining logic (scientific facts) and emotion (real testimonies), which allows each young person to process information according to their maturity and personality.

What does the annual fetal development curriculum created by the ministry propose?

Called ‘The Journey Within’, the program follows the nine academic months relating them to the nine months of pregnancy. Teachers use posters, videos and images examined by doctors. In Catholic schools, there is an extra spiritual component, following the ‘4S’ model: Scripture, science, stories and community service such as diaper drives.

Is there any political or legislative front supporting these initiatives?

Yes. Several American states, such as Tennessee and Ohio, have already passed laws requiring education on fetal development in public schools. In Nebraska, Governor Jim Pillen has expressed full support for similar legislation, although activists and senators are still working to tweak the bills’ technical language and avoid legal loopholes.

How did a small sewing project turn into a national program?

The ministry began with humble beginnings in 2012, when Nikki Schaefer and her young daughter began selling hand-sewn pro-life pillows. The sales success raised US$40,000 for pregnancy centers and attracted press visibility. Starting in 2015, the first invitations from schools appeared, leading the project to expand today to eight North American states.