Who was St. Gianna Beretta Molla?
St. Gianna Beretta Molla was an Italian pediatrician, wife, and mother. She was a devout Catholic who balanced her career in medicine with a deep commitment to her family and faith.
During her pregnancy with her fourth child, she received a diagnosis of a tumor in her uterus. She chose to prioritize her baby’s life when doctors offered medical options that could have endangered the child. She opted for only the minimum treatment to preserve both lives.
After giving birth to her daughter, Gianna Emanuela, she developed a severe infection and died a week later at the age of 39.
Pope John Paul II canonized St. Gianna in 2004. She is the patron saint of mothers, physicians and the pro-life movement. Through her life she demonstrated selfless love while upholding human dignity and following God's divine plan.