Knights of Columbus Council #9765 in Fredericksburg is raising $8,000 from the community to help purchase a second ultrasound machine for Heart of the Hills Resources (the MOM Center). The local council will match those gifts dollar-for-dollar, and the Knights of Columbus Supreme Council will then match the combined $16,000.

That means $8,000 in community gifts becomes $32,000 toward a new ultrasound machine.

The machine will serve women throughout Gillespie County and the surrounding Hill Country who come to Heart of the Hills for free, confidential pregnancy testing, options counseling, and ultrasounds.

Why Is a Second Machine Needed?

Demand for ultrasound has grown dramatically. Heart of the Hills performed 82 ultrasounds in 2022 and 229 in 2025, with approximately 360 projected for 2026, more than a fourfold increase in five years.

The center is also reaching significantly more women at risk of abortion. Abortion-vulnerable cases increased from 16 in 2022 to 101 already in 2026, growing from approximately 24% to 80% of pregnancy cases.

In November 2025, Heart of the Hills adopted SperaVita Institute’s 15-step FOCUS process, allowing nurses and advocates approximately one hour with each client to better understand her individual circumstances. Since implementing this approach, 98% of clients served have chosen life. Highest-risk clients may also return for follow-up ultrasounds, increasing the need for available scan appointments.

With only one ultrasound machine, even when two trained nurses are available, only one woman can be scanned at a time. A second machine would allow two nurses to scan simultaneously when staffing permits, doubling ultrasound capacity without shortening these important appointments.

The second machine would also support the center’s growing gap prenatal-care program with Blessings Midwifery. Diagnostic ultrasound days currently require use of the center’s only machine, making it unavailable for women facing pregnancy decisions. A second unit would allow both services to continue and grow.

The Bottom Line

Heart of the Hills is reaching more abortion-vulnerable women than ever. A second ultrasound machine means more available appointments, greater access to follow-up scans, and expanded prenatal care.

$8,000 from the community → $32,000 toward a new ultrasound machine

Gifts may be made through Knights of Columbus Council #9765 for Heart of the Hills. Every dollar given toward the $8,000 community goal will be matched twice.

And any excess donations that exceed the $8,000 needed will go directly to the Heart of the Hills to help further their mission of serving families in the Hill Country.

Heart of the Hills Ultrasound Machine