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Introduction

1. The Kristen Anderson Perinatal Hospice Program (KAPHP) is a program of the Tepeyac Family Center designed to provide a multi-disciplinary approach to pregnant women, their babies and their families as they await the birth of their child who has received a life-threatening diagnosis.
   
2. The KAPHP exists to provide pregnant women and the persons most intimately involved with their child spiritual and psychological comfort while meeting the individual medical needs of each mother and her sick child. The program offers a continuum of support from the point of diagnosis to a year thereafter.
   
3. Tepeyac Family Center recognizes the unique suffering that results from receiving an adverse diagnosis and desires to help alleviate the burden through services which address emotional and physical support with a holistic approach. Tepeyac Family Center encourages the participants of the KAPHP to remain accepting and devoted to the newborn and to each other throughout the difficult periods of time during and after the birth.
   
4. Contact us as (703) 273-9440 or email at info@tepeyacfamilycenter.com. We will gladly schedule a consultation, determine the best approach methods, and provide applicable resources that offer opportunities which allow all participants to experience the inherent joy from new birth despite the conjoining suffering and pain. While it is encouraged that pregnant mothers receive their obstetrical care through Tepeyac Family Center during this time, it is not required. Tepeyac Family Center can provide the spiritual and psychological support while the pregnant woman decides to retain the medical counsel of her current obstetrician.
   
5. Many medical personnel argue that the best way to cope with an adverse fetal diagnosis is to deliver the baby before survival is likely. Such a decision equates to an abortion. Ironically, this course of action often creates greater long-term suffering for all individuals involved. Our approach is maternal. When one has a sick child, we don’t separate ourselves, but rather behold the child. Every mother wishes to remain close to her child when he/she is ill and the best place for a sick child to be is close to the mother. The “hospice” of our program is the mother’s womb where she can be with the child providing for 100% of the child’s needs until the child is ready to face the world. We support the mother and family in this decision.

The Kristen Anderson Perinatal Hospice Program was established in her loving memory after her fatal auto accident in July of 2004.