PRO-LIFE BASICS: I’m 16 years old and recently found out I’m pregnant—and not by choice. I was raped by our neighbor’s son. I feel dirty, disgusted that I have this baby inside of me.

I’m 16 years old and recently found out I’m eight weeks pregnant—and not by choice. I was raped by our neighbor’s son, a man in his 40s. He was arrested but hasn’t gone to trial yet. It was bad enough that he took my virginity but to leave me pregnant … I can’t bear it. I feel dirty, disgusted that I have this baby inside of me [whom] I don’t want.

Every day, I wish I
 [could] spontaneously
 abort [my baby] … but if it doesn’t happen, then I want to get an induced abortion. I know it’s wrong, but I didn’t choose to be pregnant. This creep broke into our home when my parents were at a
dinner party.

I stopped going to church because I’m so ashamed. This is a nightmare. I haven’t told my parents yet. I’m scared of this pregnancy, of this baby. Please help me. I need your advice.

—Anonymous

My heart breaks for you, but in the midst of your suffering, I’d like to pose a question.You wrote, “I didn’t choose to be pregnant.” Try to remember that your baby “didn’t choose” to exist; God chose that for your baby. Are you prepared to live with the fact that your child died because of your personal choice? There’s no need to be scared of your baby. This innocent child didn’t perpetrate any violence toward you; the rapist did, and I pray he goes to jail for a long, long time.

You need Christ and His healing power in your life now as never before, so I urge you to return to church.

Finally, though this could be difficult, I pray you’ll tell your parents you’ve chosen to carry your baby to term and give him up for adoption so that this innocent child can have a happy home.Years from now, I’m positive you’ll be thankful you chose life for your baby.