Sometimes during my training in obstetrics I met a mother whose baby had many birth defects, such that it would die shortly after birth. Some advise abortion in these cases as a “compassionate measure” for the mother. When the Pope says abortion is wrong, is he lacking compassion? I knew that I should not participate in abortion. I did not really know what would be a compassionate alternative. The way I learned what to do was from something that a little man taught me. His name was little David, and this is his story.

The mother consulted with me about her fetus which had five different major anomalies (birth defects). It did not closely simulate any known syndrome. Abortion had been offered by others, but was rejected by the mother. It was a long and agonizing pregnancy for this young couple, about to have their first baby. They were of modest means and had been referred from a rural locale. The father gave his name, David, to his first born son.

It was expected the infant would only live about twenty minutes when taken off the ventilator. After vaginal delivery, the child was on the ventilator for about eight hours while the pediatricians thoroughly evaluated him. Everything which had been predicted from prenatal ultrasound was confirmed by the pediatricians. The father, mother and half a dozen family members were present in the mother’s room when the child was brought from the neonatal intensive care unit. Since the child’s demise was expected imminently, he was quickly brought to his mother’s arms so she could hold, kiss and love Little David during his short life. The father, as well as various aunts, uncles, and grandmothers also got their chance to hold, kiss, and love Little David.

After twenty minutes his cardiac and respiratory rate began to slow, but then unexpectedly return to normal. This cycle repeated itself many times over the next twenty-four hours. Over the course of the day a long succession of near and distant relatives arrived from many corners of the state. So many came, the room could not hold them all. All got their chance to hold, kiss, and love Little David. An incredible spirit of love and peace permeated the room-there was an explosion of love. This remarkable and unforeseen explosion of love was felt by all, and remembered by all who were present. Whenever I spoke to this couple or any of their relatives at any future point they always mentioned the incredible explosion of love. It seemed to signify the presence of the Holy Spirit.

A funeral home donated the casket. One of the grandfathers was a preacher. Somehow God gave me the insight to know that I should attend this funeral. It was a two and a half-hour drive very early in this morning through a beautiful section of the “boonies.” When I got there the mother said: “My doctor said he would come and I knew he would.” There seemed to be about 100 people at the funeral. The grandfather preached a beautiful sermon. There were no dry eyes at the service.

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