Dear Friend:

Thanks for your courage in looking out for your friend. You sound like a real friend, and that's exactly what she needs.

God may be using you to help your friend because you have a relationship with Him – that your friend lacks. I would start there. Pray. Invite your friend to pray. While we often put ourselves in circumstances that we would change if we could, God will take us, as we are, and help us get through the worst situations.

You were right about the unborn baby, it is a child and deserves to live, and killing it is wrong. The big problem is that your friend is not ready to be a mom, and shouldn't be at this point in her life.

When you look at these two facts the only option that respects both points is adoption. The child can live, and your friend doesn't have to bear the responsibility of motherhood prematurely.

While it may be a difficult sacrifice, your friend can know that she gave her child the opportunity to grow up and make a place in the world, because there is some loving family that could give (him/her) a wonderful home. People everyday are looking for children to adopt because not everyone can conceive so easily.

I would start by going to a trusted adult who is a Pro-life (Catholic/Christian), and seek some support. Also, you can find help through Pro-life Offices of your diocese, or search the web for national information.

Then, approach your friend with the support you have available, and then her mom. Pray and seek an opportunity to be heard.

As a true friend, you have earned that right.

Remember, God could be counting on you to love your friend into the truth. Do all you can not let Him down.

You will be in our prayers.

Bob