I have two young boys and have just found out I'm pregnant again. My husband does not feel that we should have another baby so I'm booked in for an abortion next week. I cry every day and feel so protective of this child, even though I'm only 9 weeks pregnant. I really want to keep the baby and try every day to convince my husband it will be OK - so far unsuccessfully. I can understand my husband's view that a third child will put a strain on us emotionally and financially - sleepless nights, tantrums, school fees, etc etc etc. The list is endless, but I still cannot come to terms with what he wants me to do. I don't know if I'll be going ahead with the abortion next week or not. My husband will be happy if I do and it would make life easier. I can't bear to think that far ahead at the moment, but I know it will come round quickly and I'll have to face it and make a very difficult decision.

Editor’s Note: Some women do report that, on the one hand, having an abortion makes sense, given the difficult circumstances, but they also report that deep down they are very uncomfortable with it. It’s as if the head is saying one thing and the heart something else. It’s important to ask if having an abortion really will make life easier for you – it may be the case circumstantially but in your heart, it seems you may be at odds with yourself. Emotional pain may be an ongoing problem for you. This is a situation where you need to be facing the situation together and not apart – talking to a trained advisor will help you both. Can I encourage you to contact a centre or the helpline as soon as you can.