Southfield — Supporters of life will gather in Southfield on July 27 to celebrate the next forward step in the defense of life.
On that day, all are invited to a dedication ceremony for Mother and Unborn Baby Care’s new state-of-the-art ultrasound machine. Attending the noon ceremony will be dignitaries from the Michigan State Council of the Knights of Columbus, which donated $25,000 toward the new machine to match the contributions raised by the Knights’ local Bishop Gallagher Council No. 2569 in Royal Oak.
Peter Riccardo, executive director of Mother and Unborn Baby Care, expressed his thanks to the Knights, as well as the parishes and Catholic organizations that contributed toward the purchase of the new equipment. St. Kenneth Parish, Plymouth, was a major contributor, he said, as well as Riverview Gabriel Richard High School’s pro-life student group, which organized a coffee drive with proceeds going toward the new ultrasound.
“The new equipment will enable us to continue to provide information to women who are in a crisis pregnancy situation and who feel they have no hope,” Riccardo said. “Through mid-July 2013, 70 babies’ lives have been saved at Mother and Unborn Baby Care. Last year, 95 lives were saved from abortion. This system is vital in showing women that there is life within the womb, an unborn baby, and not just a clump of tissue.”
The new Zonare Ultra Convertible Ultrasound System is the most advanced and portable system available, and replaces the aging equipment the pregnancy center currently uses. Combining the Scan Engine with the SmartCart, the Zonare offers clearer images on a 19-inch, high-resolution color LCD display monitor mounted on an articulating arm, which allows both the technician and mother a full viewing angle and greater ease of use.
Since the Knights of Columbus initiated their National Ultrasound Program in 2009, on the 36th anniversary of the Roe v. Wade decision, the organization has placed 371 ultrasound machines in Crisis Pregnancy Centers throughout the United States, including 25 in Michigan. The Bishop Gallagher Council has taken the lead in organizing the project in Michigan, with many other councils also participating. Under the National Ultrasound Program, local councils raise half the funds needed, with a matching grant by the Supreme Council covering the remaining cost.
Representing the Knights of Columbus at the dedication will be Michigan State Deputy Michael Malinowski and his wife, Maureen; State Advocate Antonio Vittorini and his wife, Sue; State Pro-Life Couple Paul and Sue Thorn; State Communications Director Joe Yekulis Jr.; and 41st District Rep. Martin Howrylak.
Attend the dedication
What: Dedication of a new ultrasound machine for Mother and Unborn Baby Care in Southfield
Where: 24500 Southfield Road, just north of Nine Mile Road in Southfield
When: Noon to 2 p.m. Saturday, July 27
Parking: Free, at the Shriners Silver Event Center, just south of the Problem Pregnancy Center on Southfield Road
Note: Refreshments will be available, and tours of MAUBC’s Problem Pregnancy Center will be offered for guests who have never seen the facilities.
