This is certainly a difficult question.  There has been no fornication committed, but is that the only concern here?  While this situation may work out in this case, is this the Lord’s intention for the family?  We read way back in Genesis 3:16, “To the woman He said, “I will greatly multiply Your pain in childbirth, In pain you will bring forth children; Yet your desire will be for your husband, And he will rule over you.””  In this first mention of children in the Bible, it is pointed out that the woman has a husband.  I think most will agree that the ideal family includes a husband, a wife, and children.  The raising of children certainly requires the love, discipline, and influence of both a mom and a dad. 

Did this lady seek the counsel of fellow believers?  We are reminded in Proverbs 24:6 that, “…in multitude of counsellers there is safety.”  We see the wisdom here of seeking the advice of older, godly leaders who can minister the Word of God to our questions.  I don’t know if this lady sought counsel or if counsel was offered.  For those who are married and have children, our experience teaches us the value of a godly husband and wife raising their children together.  The father’s role is quite clear in Ephesians 6:4, “And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.”  This is so difficult for one person to do alone and to remove the husband from the equation only multiplies the responsibility of the woman.  I realize there are situations where there is only one parent in the home due to death or divorce, yet these are not the ideal situations.  A mother and father raising their children together, teaching them to honor and to seek the Lord’s guidance in their lives is certainly the preferred way.

Did this lady sin?  I think the bigger issue now is that she will have a child and will need the love and support of fellow believers.  Perhaps her decision was not the best one.  Perhaps she did not seek counsel and made this decision on her own.  Either way, she will most likely give birth to a normal, healthy baby.  Parenting is a difficult job.  Parenting alone is so much more difficult.  I encourage you and your church group to show the love of Christ to this lady.  Encourage her to follow the Lord and to teach her child about the Lord at a very early age.  Offer help, advice, and love to them both.  They will need it!  Get involved in her life.  Be very sensitive to her needs.  Raising a child as a young parent is challenging.  Raising a child as a single older parent is going to be very, very challenging to her.  Seek to be the help that she truly needs.

I do appreciate your question.  I am sorry that I have not offered a definitive answer to your question.  There is so much about this situation that I do not have information about.  Yet, moving forward, keep this in mind, “And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.” (Ephesians 4:32).  (401.6)