Will God punish me for having an abortion?

Dear pastor,

I am 19 and having problem. I missed my period. I know I am pregnant. I slept with my boyfriend the weekend before he left for Canada.

When I did not see my period I didn't think about it because my cycle is not regular. I went to the doctor and, I know, from what he said, I was pregnant. My boyfriend and I had used a condom but when we were finished having sex he said he didn't realise it had burst.

He didn't want to get me pregnant so I took the morning-after pills but it was too late. I don't know what to do. I am attending university. My boyfriend is not working. My parents are going to kill me because I am their only daughter. They do not expect me to let them down. My boyfriend and I are planning to get married after I am through with my studies. We are worried. Do you believe in abortion? Would God punish me if I have an abortion? Please answer me quickly.

D.O

Dear D.O

I regret hearing you are carrying an unplanned pregnancy. I believe what you have said but I really cannot encourage you to have an abortion. I suggest you tell your parents what has happened. You should tell them the truth. They probably will be surprised to know you are sexually active. Perhaps they won't because you are an adult. Parents have to be prepared for anything when they have adult children living with them. Let them know your boyfriend and yourself were not wilful and careless while having sex. You had used a condom but it broke.

I believe your parents would prefer to hear that the condom broke than to hear you had sex without using protection. I would not even encourage this young man to return to Jamaica and marry you. You might be in love but it is not wise for a girl to rush into marriage because of pregnancy. If you were planning to get married, a date set, circumstances different, and she became pregnant, I would say, go right ahead.

However, right now the young man has gone to Canada. He is not even settled and can't help himself now. It is out of the question whether you should get married at this time.

If your parents are willing to help you take care of the baby, while you continue you education, they will be granting you a big favour. You won't die having a child out of wedlock. It is not ideal but it happened. You will have to do your best to adjust to the situation.

If your parents encourage you to terminate the pregnancy, I must tell you not to do so because, if you do, you may never have a free conscience. I wish you well. Continue to go to school.

Pastor