Dear Pastor,

I am 18 years old and I am still in high school. I fell in love with a guy and I prayed to have a child by him but it did not work. A few months ago I decided that I didn't want to have a child with him any longer because I am beginning to think about my future and what I would like to become, and getting pregnant by this guy would hinder my future.

Now I am pregnant and the guy is no longer working. I am moving from place to place to find shelter. I want to go back to school. The guy told me to abort the child if I want. That is not what I would want to do. I want to go to school and I want the baby. Please help me.

S.G

Dear S.G.,

You have not said anything about your parents. Did they put you out? Are you moving from place to place because you cannot go home? You are an ambitious person. You have made a mistake by having unprotected sex and the guy with whom you had sex cannot help you financially. He cannot pay your rent and he doesn't have anywhere to put you.

If your parents are alive you should go back to them and beg them to take you in. Think of other relatives who might be able to give you shelter for a while until you have had your baby. You say that you want the baby but at the same time you want to go to school. If you are willing to give up the baby for adoption you should contact the Adoption Board. Perhaps the Adoption Board will be able to give you some guidance. I am sure there are many couples who have been trying to get children to adopt.

The young man who got you pregnant doesn't care what you do. You may also enquire of him whether his mother will be willing to take the child so that you can go and get yourself a job and send yourself back to school. If you used to attend church, you may consider talking to the pastor and asking him for help. You have my prayers

Pastor