my unborn baby was diagnosed with a fatal condition. what should I do?

photo picture child born with hydrocephalus Dylan was diagnosed in utero with hydrocephalus that doctors predicted would cause mental retardation. Upon birth, Dylan did not need the shunt that had seemed inevitable and he has had no developmental delays. He still has mild hydrocephalus but it has not caused him any difficulties.

ENDORSEMENTS

My Child, My Gift is an important resource for parents who, prior to the birth of their child, receive the news that their child has been diagnosed with a serious illness or disability. Understandably, this can be a time of many questions and uncertainties for parents. For clergy, religious and counselors seeking to provide pastoral care and guidance, this book will be a great help in upholding the dignity of each and every life, and the truth that every child is a gift from God.

Seán Cardinal O'Malley, OFM Cap., Archbishop of Boston

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If Ob's and geneticists would pass this book along to parents upon diagnosis, perhaps fewer would feel that they are expected to terminate. And even better, if the diagnosing professionals, themselves, would actually read, "My Child, My Gift", perhaps they would begin to understand what a disservice it is - to natural maternal love, life itself, and hope - to persistently recommend termination. We have a chance here to really make a difference in the lives of countless families by ensuring that newly diagnosed families have an opportunity to read this book. Thank you Madeline, for this wonderful contribution to the Culture of Life!

Monica Rafie, founder of BeNotAfraid.net and mom of a child prenatally diagnosed with life-threatening, complex heart defects.

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“Where is the instruction manual to motherhood?” Finally you hold it in your hands. What began as a booklet to encourage pregnant women who have been told disconcerting news that their child may have a fatal, threatening or disabling diagnosis, has at long last been assembled in book form. This volume is a must read for each parent, grandparent and friend. Madeline Pecora Nugent has answered every question asked regarding the pains and joys of motherhood. She also addresses queries that most of us never thought to ask, but need to know the answer to in order to be capable to comfort a loved one, a spouse or even to console yourself when you beseech to know the truth; if you’ve done or are doing the right thing regarding conceiving, carrying, and nurturing your child. Madeline’s words are written to mothers who crave honest counsel and anticipate earnest guidance.

To call this book “Every mother’s Bible” would sound irreverent. But sincerely this is undoubtedly the most profound and complete guide to understanding what love means at the heart of becoming a mother. I challenge you to find a more poignant compilation of genuine personalities that capture the spirit of a mother’s unconditional love recorded on a single page. This treasure piece is essential to occupy every woman’s library. Congratulations Madeline and thank you for stirring my heart and confirming that what I do as a mother is as it should be.

Terri Green, Author of Simple Acts of Kindness and mother of 22 year old Kara who lives with severe Cerebral Palsy.

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God bless you all,

Harriet Weigel

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We are a Christian family that has adopted other children with special needs, and feel that every child really needs to know love here on earth. Your book and website are a wonderful blessing.

Thelma Conklin

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As I traveled to McClean, VA (just outside DC) this past week to present a workshop/exhibit at the Accessibility Summit for special needs, I had time to take and read my copy of "My Child My Gift." Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you for allowing me to be a small part of this wonderful project that speaks life and truth to every heart that will read its pages. Thank you for your perseverance in completing this work. Thank you to all the families who shared their most vulnerable emotions and memories in order to honor God and their precious little ones whose special lives will be immortalized in the pages of My Child My Gift.

We each are truly "fearfully and wonderfully made" as stated in Psalm 139 and we need to take time to absorb what "fearfully" and "wonderfully" really mean in the context of every human life. We are each a miracle, proof of God's sustaining love and faithfulness, no matter the extent of our natural life.

I will be in contact with New City Press in order to purchase a supply of this wonderful resource to share with others as I travel around the country speaking on behalf of the most vulnerable members of society.

Yours for Life, Nina Fuller

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I got My Child, My Gift and it is PHENOMENAL!!! Thank you so much! I cried all the way through, but it was so inspiring. I personally know people who will benefit tremendously from this book, but there are many more people that I don't know that will benefit even more; I believe this book will save and prolong lives as well as help people go through a superior, healthier, more "whole" process when they are faced with a prenatal diagnosis. You have done an incredible job, and so have the parents who shared their sorrow, love and expertise to assure others that they are not alone and that they CAN go through such an experience in a way that honors not only God but also their child, their families and themselves. I'm floored. It's a great book!

We ordered 12 copies of My Child, My Gift to distribute to parents who have been through the prenatal diagnosis experience, Obs, one perinatal hospice director, and sidewalk counselors who meet these parents going into the abortion clinic all the time. My Child, My Gift is a blessing for those who already know what it means to truly love and for those who are learning how.

Love,
Ashli McCall

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I was given a copy of your book, and have nearly finished reading it. So very powerful and uplifting! Thank you for bringing such vital resources to so many. We are planning to use it within our diocese to offer hope and healing to families dealing with a serious pre-natal diagnosis.

God’s peace.

Maggi Fitzpatrick Nadol, Respect Life Director, Diocese of Charlotte, USA

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Dear Rita,

My thanks and appreciation for sending me a copy of the book written by Madeline. I look forward to perusing it and I thank you for being so thoughtful. With my thanks and every best wish,

In Christ,

Most Reverent Timothy A. McDonnell

Bishop of Springfield

My Child, My Gift: A Positive Response to Serious Prenatal Diagnosis

See this link for ordering information.

To contact author, please email Madeline Pecora Nugent