Chapter 8
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Zoey discussed her options with Jed and Mimi for hours. She knew if she had the baby she couldn't put her up for adoption. This family could provide for her as well as any family these days. But there was little chance she'd survive another three years. Zoey loved her child, but was it selfish to condemn her to starvation and/or freezing? Like many Zoey had been attending church more since Febuary 4th. Her minister said that all children who died innocents, including the unborn were automatically admitted to Heaven. But those who killed the innocent, would have a very hard time earning God' grace. That made sense, God would never punish a child for the sins of it's parents. If Zoey had an abortion, the baby would go to Heaven, and Zoey would probably go to Hell. But perhaps that was best. Maybe it was best to spare her child the pain of this world. Jed and Zoey's families said they would love the baby if she had it, and they would understand if she didn't. Jed seemed as in the dark as Zoey. She eventually named the baby "Mary" but it didn't make the decision easier. After a few days deliberations Zoey made a choice. She decided to have an abortion. Her mother offerred to have it done privately. But Zoey decided to announce her plans ahead of time. She gave an interview on Friday October 6th. On Saturday many e-mails were sent, some supporting Zoey's decision, others condemning it. She said she was doing it so that other women in similar situations wouldn't feel alone. But with all the death threats, a part of Zoey wondered if she deserved such things. Pope Peter II issued a statement, asking people to pray for both Zoey and her child. Mimi and Jed agreed to take Zoey to the clinic. At least they seemed to have set aside their differences temporarily. Before Zoey left she said a prayer. She asked God for both the strength to do this, and his forgiveness. Zoey also asked him to accept little Mary into his loving arms. And with that, she walked to her destiny.