ST. GIANNA - Key Persons

Gianna Beretta Molla was born in Italy in 1922. After earning degrees in medicine and surgery, she opened a medical clinic and specialized in pediatrics. She had three children with her husband and, toward the end of the second month of her fourth pregnancy, she developed a benign tumor in her uterus. Before the required surgical operation, she pleaded with the surgeon to save the life of the child she was carrying. A few days before the child was due, she was ready to give her life in order to save that of her child. The child, Gianna Emanuela, was born in April 1962. Despite all efforts and treatments to save both of them, on the morning of April 28, the mother died. Gianna Molla was blessed by Pope John Paul II in 1994, during the international Year of the Family. St. Gianna Beretta Molla's name was chosen for the Clinic after much prayer and discernment. Her witness to life and love serves as a model for physicians, health care providers and people. St. Gianna devoted herself to the Lord as a wife, mother and physician. She is a modern day saint who embodied true faith throughout her life, family and career. She gave her life to save her fourth child, despite strong encouragement to abort her baby. Gianna Molla's daughter, Gianna Emanuela, visited St. Gianna Clinic in November 2018. She shared family stories and photographs, which are now on display in the clinic.