"Rape baby" and marriage

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katpants

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I’m prolife myself but I’ve always wondered, what is “supposed” to happen in a Catholic marriage where a woman is raped and gets pregnant and she’s married. How is the husband supposed to act towards the child? Does he raise it? Do they put it up for adoption?

I seem to come up with weird questions these days. I can’t figure it out really.

Thanks!

Kat
 
katpants said:
I’m prolife myself but I’ve always wondered, what is “supposed” to happen in a Catholic marriage where a woman is raped and gets pregnant and she’s married. How is the husband supposed to act towards the child? Does he raise it? Do they put it up for adoption?

I seem to come up with weird questions these days. I can’t figure it out really.

Thanks!

Kat
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Is there solid church teaching on this? I think if I was raped, no matter where I was in life, I would put the child up for adoption. Not the kid’s fault, but it would be hard to get over the rape when the outcome is constantly around. Just personal preference.

I believe that the couple should be open and honest and discuss this if it were to happen.
 
I would think the usual rules apply. Abortion is not an option; the child would either then be raised by the couple or be put up for adoption. That decision should be made by both the husband and wife following an open and honest discussion about the matter, as Kendra says.

But an official Church position on this specific situation? I’m not aware of any (though I admit I haven’t researched it).
 
Either adopt or raise it.

I think I would raise it, altough it would be hard. A child isn’t responsible for the actions the rapist took.
 
Depends on how many children they already have. If they had been having trouble conceiving, the baby might turn tears into joy. A tough situation. They would need a third person who could guide them to the right decision for them. Particularly if there might be problems putting aside the rape itself. Forgiveness of the rapist would be foremost. Can we forgive? Jesus forgave.
 
Abortion is not an option…

Raising & loving the child or giving it a good home through adoption, is an individual decision. It should be made with prayer & discussion.
 
I obviously would never want to be in this situation, but if I was, I think I would have an incredibly hard time giving up the baby. The baby would be just as much a part of me (if not more, since I’m carrying and delivering) as his or her father. I don’t think I could give away my own flesh and blood, whether or not I willed the act that brought that child into existence.

But I can also understand why others might find adoption to be the better choice for them. I am not sure what my husband would think.
 
Would the Church be supportive of the mother raising the child if she were unmarried?
 
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