by April May Maple

Created on: May 04, 2009   Last Updated: August 18, 2011

Should a woman keep a child conceived by rape? Such a question cannot possibly have a yes or no answer; it is so far from black and white that you are looking at a rainbow of possible answers. It is a very big decision and only the woman in the given situation is capable of making it. Even those that have contemplated this question might come to a different answer if they are found in the situation. To make an even difficult choice harder, the mother to be only has a short time to come to a conclusion. 

While rape is a physical abuse, the initial crime only lasts moments compared to the lingering emotional strain that one undergoes and every woman will react differently. In the aftermath of the incident, a woman's perspective and feelings towards herself will drastically shift and she will undoubtedly experience a wide arrange of emotions before overcoming the rape. Becoming pregnant after rape can make that struggle even harder. 

Some women are capable of raising a child that was created in such a tragic and surreptitious fashion, other women may not be able to. The women must be prepared to look at her child's face and see her attacker, whom she hates, look back at her and still love the child. She must be strong enough to tackle the tough job of parenting solo, but also needs a healthy support system in friends and family. She must never take her anger out on the child or blame him or her.

It is a personal decision that should not be decided upon by anyone other than the woman. She should consider the following things before coming to the decision.

* Her personal feelings towards abortion or putting a child up for adoption.

* The struggles she will undergo as a single parent. 

* Her current financial state and living arrangements.

* How likely she will be able to cope with a constant reminder of the incident.

* The realization that some day she will have to offer an explanation to the child about their father.

* Who is her support system and are the reliable to be there when she needs help, whether it is emotional support or a helping hand.

* Is she more likely to regret having the child or not having the child?

* It may be difficult, but she should discuss things with a counselor, connoisseur of faith or volunteer at a pregnancy clinic.

Even in the worst circumstances, a child can be a blessing. They bring you a unique joy and happiness that only your own baby can create. They offer an unconditional love that is evident from birth. They also require a lot of time, strength and hard work. With every child, there will be roadblocks and struggles but parenting offers its own rewards. 

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