I AM an 18-year-old girl and have just completed my matric. I attended a private school in town and in November, on my way to school, I met a very good-looking man.
It was love at first sight and we started meeting every day. He would take me to a hotel and we would end up making love.
He gave me money every day.
My friends told me that he was married and at first I thought they were just jealous. Eventually when I asked him, he said that he is, but is in the process of getting divorced.
I believed him because there were a couple of times when we spent the whole night together.
Now I have found out that I am pregnant. I have told him and he said there is no way that the child is his.
He said he has reconciled with his wife, whom he loves, and is no longer interested in me.
I am devastated and scared. I think I should either have an abortion or kill myself because I don't know how I will be able to tell my parents.
They have done everything for me and love me so much. Terrified, Johannesburg
Dudu says:
I can understand how anxious and frightened you are, but you have to speak to your parents.
Committing suicide is not the solution and is a final and very drastic step to take. If you are considering abortion, then you would have to make sure that you are fully informed on the risks and consequences involved.
Please don't consider an illegal abortion because this could prevent you from having children when you are older and could damage your health and wellbeing.
By now it is probably too late for you to have an abortion.
Your parents love you and they would be devastated if you hurt yourself in any way.
Of course they will be upset, but once they have got over the shock, they will hopefully offer you their support and advice.
The man you were involved in is legally obliged to maintain the child and if he doesn't, you will have to go to the maintenance court to ensure that he does.
Help is available and if you need someone to talk to, please contact Lifeline on 011-728-1347 or Birthright of Johannesburg on 011-403-1718.