When my kid’s were Baptized, there were single Mothers in the Baptismal group. They weren’t singled out for a “out of wedlock” Baptism. Rather, they and their babies were welcomed.
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I understand what you are saying, but there is a big difference here.
This woman’s illegitimate birth is different because she is in a position of influencing young people. I do not know the particulars of this case, but I would not be surprised if she was frank with the kids about her unmarried state and even acted as if it was no big deal, which seems to be a common attitude these days. Probably she is shacking up with the father of the baby, as well.
You seem to be saying that her only option would be to get an abortion. How about marrying the father of the child? That is something she could have done long before her pregnancy became obvious to the outside world.
I in no way, shape or form would say that abortion is EVER an acceptable option. What I am saying is that legally (not morally) if she wanted to keep her job.. that was an option for her. I am definitely on the fence with this case. She should have married the Father immediately (in a court house) when she found out. Not sure about his involvement.. would he marry her or is that her decision alone?
I am simply wondering aloud about being pro-life. I remember listening to what was then older women discussing Roe v Wade. Many weren’t in favor of it but ALL of them said the reason (they felt) it became legal was because of the stigma of illegitimate births. Back in those days, the boy was slapped on the back for being a man.. the girl labelled a slut. Many removed to a home for “unwed” mothers and if underage.. forced to give the baby up for adoption without ever seeing the child. Babies were openly referred to as “bastards”. The woman of a illegitimate child always remained a “whore”. **Some of the stories I heard were so appalling... that is why these women felt abortion became a “right”.
On the other side of my fence.. would the school have allowed her to remain a teacher after 8 years if she married her boyfriend in a court house? Were they okay with the situation but had to act after the anonymous letter to the diocese? My point is simply stating that the young girls at the school are watching what is going on. Some of them (statistically) will face a pregnancy and unwed. How will they process the firing and their own situation.