I can't afford a child

Dear Pastor,

I am 20. I believe I might be pregnant. If I am, please forgive me, but I will have to do an abortion as the father of this child has moved on. I am living with my mother. She does not want any grandkids to take care of. I am all alone.

I pray to God to help me, to forgive me and to make me a better person, as he is my only friend now.

I am seeking a job for the new year to start a life for myself. I have to get a job before I can think about having a child. I would like to give my child everything, including time. That is not an option now. I need more time to do so.

S.A

Dear S.A.,

By this time this letter is printed, you should know, for sure, whether you are pregnant. If you are pregnant, I hope you do not have an abortion. If the father of the child is unable to support him/her, there are many persons who would gladly adopt him/her.

You should call the Adoption Board and discuss the matter with them. They will advise you. You will find them to be helpful people. Their numbers are listed.

You do not have to cause the mistake you have made to destroy your life. Many young women were just as careless as you and got pregnant. Those who did not abort their pregnancies have received help. They went back to school, got an education and are doing well. You can do the same.

If you have an abortion it may always remain in your mind, so I wish to discourage you from doing so. Please let me hear from you again.

Pastor