# Gianna Beretta Molla

> Italian saint (1922-1962)

**Wikidata**: [Q238963](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q238963)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gianna_Beretta_Molla)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/gianna-beretta-molla

## Summary
Gianna Beretta Molla was an Italian saint and pediatrician renowned for her selfless dedication to her family and faith. Born in 1922, she chose to risk her life during pregnancy rather than undergo a procedure that could harm her unborn child, exemplifying her commitment to pro-life values. Her life and sacrifice led to her canonization as a saint by the Catholic Church.

## Biography
- **Born:** October 4, 1922
- **Nationality:** Italian
- **Education:** Medical degree in pediatrics
- **Known for:** Choosing to risk her life during pregnancy to protect her unborn child
- **Employer(s):** Worked as a pediatrician
- **Field(s):** Pediatrics, Catholic sainthood

## Contributions
Gianna Beretta Molla's primary contribution lies in her personal sacrifice and commitment to her faith. In 1962, during her fourth pregnancy, she opted against a medical procedure that could have saved her life but risked her unborn child's health. This decision, driven by her pro-life beliefs, ultimately led to her death on April 28, 1962, shortly after giving birth. Her actions have inspired countless individuals and reinforced Catholic teachings on the sanctity of life.

## FAQs
**What is Gianna Beretta Molla known for?**  
She is recognized for her selfless decision to prioritize her unborn child's life over her own during a high-risk pregnancy, leading to her canonization as a saint.

**What was her profession?**  
Molla worked as a pediatrician, dedicating her career to the health and well-being of children.

**How did she die?**  
She died on April 28, 1962, at the age of 39, due to complications from a high-risk pregnancy, choosing not to undergo a procedure that could have harmed her child.

**Why was she canonized?**  
Her canonization by the Catholic Church in 2004 acknowledged her heroic virtue and martyrdom in upholding her faith and pro-life principles.

## Why They Matter
Gianna Beretta Molla's life and sacrifice have had a profound impact on Catholic teachings and pro-life movements globally. Her decision to prioritize her child's life over her own has inspired numerous individuals, families, and communities, reinforcing the value of selflessness and faith. Without her example, the Catholic Church's contemporary discourse on life and sacrifice might lack a powerful, modern role model.

## Notable For
- Canonized as a saint by the Catholic Church in 2004
- Embodied pro-life values through personal sacrifice
- Worked as a pediatrician, dedicating her life to children's health
- Died at 39 after choosing to risk her life for her unborn child

## Body

### Early Life and Education
Gianna Beretta Molla was born on October 4, 1922, in Italy. She pursued a career in medicine, specializing in pediatrics, reflecting her early commitment to caring for others.

### Career as a Pediatrician
Molla worked as a pediatrician, focusing on the health and well-being of children. Her medical practice was guided by her faith and dedication to service.

### Marriage and Family
She married Pietro Molla in 1952, and the couple had four children. Her family life was marked by deep faith and a commitment to Catholic values.

### The Sacrifice of 1962
In 1962, during her fourth pregnancy, Molla faced a life-threatening condition. She chose to forgo a medical procedure that could have saved her life but risked her unborn child's health. This decision, rooted in her pro-life beliefs, led to her death on April 28, 1962, shortly after giving birth to her daughter, Gianna Emanuela.

### Canonization
Molla's selfless act and unwavering faith led to her beatification in 1993 and canonization as a saint by Pope John Paul II in 2004. Her canonization recognized her martyrdom and heroic virtue, inspiring devotion among Catholics worldwide.

### Legacy
Gianna Beretta Molla's legacy extends beyond her medical career. She is revered as a symbol of pro-life values and selfless motherhood. Her story has influenced Catholic teachings and continues to inspire individuals facing ethical dilemmas in healthcare and family life.

### Cultural Impact
Molla's life has been commemorated in various forms, including biographies, films, and religious art. Her feast day, April 28, is celebrated by the Catholic Church, ensuring her story remains a part of religious and cultural heritage.

### Connection to Italy
As an Italian saint, Molla's life and legacy are deeply intertwined with Italy's religious and cultural identity. Her canonization reflects the country's strong Catholic traditions and its contribution to global religious figures.

### Historical Context
Molla's life spanned a period of significant change in Italy, from the post-World War II era to the early 1960s. Her story intersects with the country's social and religious evolution, particularly in the context of Catholicism's role in Italian society.

### Related Entities
- **Catholic Church:** Molla's faith and canonization highlight her connection to the Catholic Church and its teachings.
- **Pope John Paul II:** His role in her canonization underscores the global recognition of her sacrifice.
- **Italian Republic:** Her nationality and the historical context of her life link her to Italy's development as a nation.

## References

1. Integrated Authority File
2. SNK authority file
3. International Standard Name Identifier
4. Virtual International Authority File
5. Find a Grave
6. Ökumenisches Heiligenlexikon
7. GCatholic.org
8. Babelio
9. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013