5- When an unmarried Christian girl engages in sexual relations with a non-Christian and becomes pregnant as a result:
It is better to place the girl in a safe place until she gives birth. The child may be placed in the care of another family through adoption.
If the man is Christian, he and the girl may be married according to the Holy Bible: “If a man entices a virgin who is not betrothed, and lies with her, he shall surely pay the bride-price for her to be his wife. If her father utterly refuses to give her to him, he shall pay money according to the bride-price of virgins.”(Ex. 22:16-17).
* A true story:
During the service of Father Bishoy Kamel in Alexandria, it came to pass that a girl committed adultery and became pregnant. She went to Father Bishoy for help. At that time, there were no houses to take care of girls in these cases. Father Bishoy took her to his home, and she stayed there until she suddenly gave birth in the washroom. She and her child were safe by the blessing and wisdom of Father Bishoy.
If there is someone who is calling for abortion in these cases, it is important to emphasize:
1- One mistake cannot be remedied by another; the remedy for adultery cannot be murder.
2- What would be the fault of the fetus in these cases? Those responsible are the parents. So, it is not fair to punish the innocent fetus while the parents are the ones who are guilty.
3- If the girl thinks that there is an easy way to get rid of the fetus, she may continue on her path of committing adultery over and over.
4- So that we may have all goodness and life, we should make our decisions according to the clear commandment of God: “You shall not murder”(Ex. 20:13).
5- Why should we not fear God and obey Him? Why should we be more afraid of shame than sin? The Holy Bible says, “Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people.”(Prov. 14:34).
6- Abortion is cruel in that it is an act perpetrated against a defenseless fetus, relying on the safety of the womb and his/her mother for protection. It is a betrayal of the soul that God has given us to protect and defend. But pride makes us think that the fetus is worth less than we and of no importance, although this fetus would become great in life.
7- Our betrayal of the fetus is truly a betrayal of God Himself Who created him/her. On the contrary, if we offer help and care to the mother and the fetus, we honor God, for He said, “As you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.”(Mt. 25:40).
