My name is Jacquelyn Smith. My husband, Andrew, and I have been blessed with 12 children: 6 on Earth and 6 in Heaven. Our seventh child, Gemma Gianna Perpetua, was blessed with an extra 18th chromosome, and here is her story. Doctors wanted us to terminate, but we chose hope.
Gemma’s pregnancy was progressing well until our 20-week ultrasound on October 1, 2019, when we learned she would face significant medical challenges due to a chromosomal abnormality. The doctor suggested termination, but we firmly believed in carrying our baby to term. My husband, Andrew, said it best: “We don’t kill our kids.” We learned that Gemma had Trisomy 18, which for us simply meant more to love, and we began to prepare for her arrival.
Gemma’s short life taught us profound lessons about love and courage. We surrounded ourselves with life-affirming resources, sought the assistance of the group Be Not Afraid, and created a birth plan for Gemma. Guidance on the resources available and questions to ask were provided to us as we began the journey of a high-risk pregnancy. My husband and I met with doctors to assure Gemma’s care team would offer her full care without discrimination due to her extra chromosome.
Twice, I went into early labor, and the situation was evaluated to determine who was in distress, mom or baby Gemma, and what the appropriate action was. Both times, an amniotic fluid reduction relieved the stress on my body, and Gemma was able to continue to grow and thrive in my womb.
At about 38 weeks, I was at a scheduled doctor’s appointment when Gemma’s heart rate was lower than normal, and it was decided that I should go to the hospital for an emergency c-section. She was born on the afternoon of January 31, 2020. Gemma received immediate care and was baptized by her daddy. We got a family picture in the NICU, and the next day, our Byzantine Catholic priest administered the sacraments of Confirmation, the Eucharist, and Anointing of the Sick. She lived for 28 hours, surrounded by love.
Gemma was facing many medical challenges that her body was unable to manage. Ultimately, we knew it was time to entrust her to Jesus. Gemma passed away on February 1, 2020, teaching us that hope is an option and every day is a gift. Her whole life, she knew only love. I have no regrets about choosing life and carrying to term from diagnosis to delivery.