Beverly’s Story

Newsweek: I Was Told My Baby Was 'Incompatible With Life'

Article appeared in Newsweek | By: Beverly Jacobson | Photo Credit: Newsweek

I don’t know how long Verity will live. But I do know she is not in pain. She is not suffering. She is a joyful and happy child. She is not a “drain” on our family. She is our most precious blessing!

I know my children are the kindest, most compassionate siblings Verity could ever ask for. They adore their little sister. Verity has changed us all for the better.

True love puts others first. It requires self-sacrifice, not self-interest. True love invites us to serve others, especially the most marginalized and helpless in society. This is our calling, and yes, it sometimes involves hardship.

As much as we want to run from suffering, we cannot. For parents of children with Trisomy 18, our suffering unites us in love for our children.

Fox News: Pro-Life States Consider Abortion Exceptions in Cases of Fatal Fetal Anomalies

Article appeared in Fox News | By: Kendall Tietz

Beverly Jacobson, the mother of a 7-year-old girl with Trisomy 18 and Founder and President of Verity’s Village, a nonprofit aimed at providing practical support for families who receive a life-limiting prenatal diagnosis for their babies, told Fox News Digital that oftentimes terms to describe fatal fetal anomalies, such as “incompatible with life,” can be misleading.

Real Clear Health: Families Receiving a Trisomy Diagnosis Need Support, Compassion, and Hope

Article appeared in Real Clear Health | By: Beverly Jacobson

My family – including Verity’s eight siblings – cannot imagine life without her. With the help of a nurse, she rides the bus to school with friends who love spending time with her and helping her on the playground. We have all become more compassionate people due to Verity’s presence in our lives, and I can honestly say that she is a blessing, not a burden.

Families receiving difficult diagnoses like Verity’s need support, compassion, and hope. Yet far too many providers tell mothers that their precious sons and daughters will inflict nothing but chaos, sadness, and financial ruin to their families, leading more than three-quarters of babies diagnosed with Trisomy 13 or 18 to be aborted.

Catholic News Agency: 'This Baby is a Gift': Trisomy 18 Awareness Day Reminds Us That Every Life is Sacred

Article appeared in Catholic News Agency | By: Tyler Arnold

When Beverly Jacobson first learned that her unborn daughter Verity would be born with the rare genetic condition trisomy 18, she “was filled with fear and anxiety” — but just three weeks ago the family was able to celebrate Verity’s eighth year of “lots of smiles and giggles and pure joy.”

“Just a happy little girl,” Jacobson told CNA. “We love her.”

Verity turned 8 years old on Feb. 28, less than three weeks ahead of Trisomy 18 Awareness Day, which is celebrated nationally on March 18. Her condition, also called Edwards syndrome, occurs when a person has an extra chromosome 18.

Our Sunday Visitor: Embracing a Prenatal Diagnosis: One Mom Shares Her Story

Article appeared in Our Sunday Visitor | By: Katie Yoder

For the global awareness day, Jacobson shared her message for parents who have received a prenatal diagnosis, including a prenatal diagnosis of Down syndrome.

“I want them to know their baby is not a mistake, that their baby is precious,” she said. “I know it can be hard, it can even be sad, but the joy and the opportunity for blessings to come out of that is something that we can’t discount.”

Jacobson, a Christian, emphasized that “God has a plan for your child and for you as a family.”

She wanted parents to know that they’re not alone, and that many organizations and people exist to walk with them, including Mama Bear Care.

Apple Podcasts: Ep. 309 Sister Clare Crockett's Road to Sainthood & Beverly Jacobson on Trisomy Awareness Month

Beverly shares her story with Sister Clare Crockett.