Dear Pastor,

I am a regular reader of your column. I am in trouble. I am 18 and pregnant. The guy who got me pregnant is still in school and I am living with my parents.

My mother has not noticed that I am looking different. My sister knows I am pregnant because she asked me and I had to tell her who got me pregnant. She advised me to have an abortion but I am afraid. The guy who got me pregnant told me if I want to have an abortion he would get me the money to do it.

How would I do an abortion? Suppose my sister tells my parents? Pastor, what should I do? Please don't condemn me. I made a mistake. This guy and I only had sex once and he told me that I wouldn't get pregnant. Do you think I should have an abortion? Continue to do your good work. I will be looking for your answer in the WEEKEND Star.

F.J

Dear F.J.,

May I suggest you inform your parents you are pregnant? Your mother has not been very observant, but your sister suspected that you were pregnant and asked. I ask you, please, tell your parents before members of the community inform them that you are pregnant. That is likely to happen. If that happens, you would be greatly embarrassing your parents, especially your mother.

This young man told you it is up to you to decide whether you should carry the pregnancy. I am going to suggest you not to do an abortion. You have made a mistake but can have the baby and decide whether you wish to keep it or give it up for adoption. If, after giving birth, the relatives of the young man would take the baby and allow you to go back to school, you should seriously consider doing so.

Please, do not have an abortion. It may rest on your conscience for the rest of your life. If you are afraid to face your parents and inform them of the pregnancy, you can ask your sister to approach them for you or ask her to accompany you when you are telling them about your pregnancy.

Pastor