DEAR CHRISTINE: I READ YOUR ADVICE this week on statutory rape and have now realised that my daughter has been a victim of statutory rape.
My daughter is 15 and is now pregnant for the second time.
My husband and I are deeply religious people who do not believe in birth control or abortion. We allowed her to keep the first baby but we are not sure what to do about the second baby.
We are of the view that if she is allowed to have this second child, she will continue to be sexually active, outside of marriage. Should we allow her to keep this child, or have it aborted? Please give us some advice.
– M.L
Dear M.L:
You said you are against abortion and I agree with you 100 per cent, but being against birth control is another matter. Why would you be against birth control, and how many children do you yourself actually have?
That aside, there are more questions than answers here. Who is the father of these children and how old is he? If he is an adult, you are indeed looking at statutory rape and he needs to be charged.
In addition, while I do not want to judge you for the way you have raised your daughter, I sense that she has never received that “mother and daughter talk” when a child reaches her menstrual cycle stage in life. She is way too young to be having children. Let me reiterate, that the father or fathers of these children must be made to face charges if he is 18 years or older.
It should be absolutely clear to you that your daughter will continue to be sexually active and since you are unable to keep her under lock and key, she must be educated about sex, sexually transmitted diseases and birth control.
I am also concerned about her education. You have not mentioned anything about this. What you are dealing with is a serious case and you should seek advice from PAREDOS, the Child Care Board and report both cases to the police.
That is, if you reside in Barbados. At times, it can be difficult to determine where writers are located, since I receive emails from people various parts of the region and the world.
– CHRISTINE
