Deeya is a Sanskrit word meaning a small light. Every pregnancy is different. For some mothers and babies, it’s smooth sailing. Others travel a more difficult road. All parents must make decisions regarding their baby’s care. But for parents whose unborn child is diagnosed with a life-threatening condition, the questions are harder to answer.

Children’s Perinatal Hospice Program offers help. We bring together a variety of services to help parents find answers that are right for them. Families may choose any of the services that fit their needs.

We offer medical, emotional, and spiritual support to families anticipating that life-threatening conditions exist for their unborn child. We walk with families through pregnancy, labor, birth, and bereavement—showing dignity and importance to all life.

On March 13, 2007, The New York Times featured the Perinatal Hospice Program at Children's in an article chronicling the decisions families make when turning to specialized hospice programs - like Children's Deeya program - for support. A brief video, with commentary from the coordinator of the Pain and Palliative Care program at Children's, Jody Chrastek, accompanies the article.