Gianna Francesca Beretta was born on October 4, 1922 at Magenta near Milan to the Beretta family. Trained as a pediatrician at the University of Pavia (1949), Gianna established her pediatric practice at Mesero.
In 1955, Gianna married Pietro Molla, a Milan engineer. The marriage produced three children: Pierluigi (1956), Mariolina (1957), and Laura (1959).
In September 1961, Gianna became pregnant with her fourth child. During the second month of pregnancy, Gianna was diagnosed with an uterine fibroma that required immediate treatment.
The medical treatment options: abortion (the medically preferred option), hysterectomy (sacrificing the fetal life), or removal of the fibroma alone (saving the fetal life but producing maternal risk).
Gianna famously chose the third option — choosing to save her unborn child at the risk to her own life. Gianna said to the surgeons: 'If you have to choose between me and my child, don't hesitate. Choose the child. I insist upon it. Save the child!'
On April 21, 1962, Gianna gave birth to her daughter Gianna Emanuela Molla (who would become a pediatrician herself and pro-life advocate).
Seven days later, on April 28, 1962, Gianna died of septic peritonitis at Monza at the age of 39.
Canonized May 16, 2004 by Pope St. John Paul II — in the presence of Gianna's husband Pietro Molla and their daughter Gianna Emanuela.