Here is an editorial titled "'500 ... and counting,'" which appeared in the Jan. 9 issue of The Criterion, newspaper of the Archdiocese of Indianapolis. It was written by Mike Krokos, editor.

"500 Ultrasound Machines and Counting" reads the headline on the cover of the January issue of Columbia, the monthly magazine published by the Knights of Columbus.

Though you probably won't read about this newsworthy achievement in secular media outlets, we felt it was extremely important to note -- especially before we commemorate the 42nd anniversary of the tragic Roe v. Wade Supreme Court decision, which legalized abortion on demand in the U.S. during all nine months of pregnancy. Since that misguided court ruling, more than 57 million unborn babies in the U.S. have died as a result of abortion.

The Columbia story, written by managing editor Andrew J. Matt, notes that the Knights' Ultrasound Initiative started in January of 2009 and has delivered more than 500 machines in all 50 states, which in turn has saved countless lives.

Since the initiative was launched, Matt writes, state and local Knights of Columbus councils have assisted qualified pregnancy centers in their areas by raising funds to cover half the cost of an ultrasound machine. Through the Knights' Culture of Life Fund, and in collaboration with the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, the Knights' Supreme Council then matches those dollars toward the purchase price of the machines, which start at about $20,000.

Knights of Columbus councils across the Hoosier State, including several here in central and southern Indiana, have stepped up to raise funds to purchase ultrasound machines for pregnancy care centers. We thank them for their commitment to this important pro-life cause, and pray more councils are able to raise the funds to expand the Knights' outreach.

"When we began this program five years ago, we hoped to put a machine in every state," noted Supreme Knight Carl A. Anderson during a November presentation and blessing of the 500th machine at the Greater Baltimore Center for Pregnancy Concerns in Dundalk, Maryland.

"Not only has this program saved the lives of countless unborn children, but it has also saved many mothers -- and fathers -- from a lifetime of regret."

We must continue to pray each day for all unborn children and for their mothers and fathers to choose life. May the number of these ultrasound machines continue to grow, and be among the tools that open the hearts and minds of all expectant parents to see what a wonderful gift their child in the womb is.

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The views or positions presented in this or any guest editorial are those of the individual publication and do not necessarily represent the views of Catholic News Service or of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops.