*** A CASE STUDY ***
Emily is a 16-year-old who is 6 weeks pregnant. The father of the fetus is Jacob, an 18-year-old who works as a part-time cashier at a local convenience store. He had dropped out of school but is now working on getting his GED through the local adult education center. Emily is a junior in high school. She has not told her parents about the pregnancy. Her father has a reputation for abusing his wife, and Emily is afraid to talk to him. Her mother is a passive person, and Emily does not feel she would be helpful in this situation. Jacob wants to get married and raise the child. Emily is not sure she is ready to be married or to have a child. She and Jacob argue about what to do. Sophia, Emily’s friend, suggests an abortion. Jacob objects. Emily decides that an abortion is the best solution and arranges to have this done. (Emily lives in a state that does not require parental consent in order for a minor to have an abortion). When she tells Jacob that she has had an abortion, he explodes, punches her in the face, and takes off. The next day he asks Emily to forgive him and brings her flowers and a beautiful sweater. Based on the facts presented above, consider the following questions: A) What would you predict about the future of Emily and Jacob’s relationship if she gets back together with him? B) Was Emily right or wrong in having the abortion against Jacob’s wishes? C) Was Jacob justified in hitting Emily because of what she did? D) Was Emily right in not telling her parents about the abortion? Please give reasons for each of your answers.
