Here's the kerfuffleless (yet significant) post that started the kerfuffle...

[TreasonousBastard]

4. I have absolutely no idea if there is a...

"rape gene" that could be passed on. There might be genetic personality components that could lead to antisocial or criminal behavior, but I don't think anyone's clear on that yet. So, that shouldn't really be much of a factor in the decision process. But, decisions and emotions are complex and not entirely rational (nor should they be) and a lingering fear that the child will have some of the father's personality seems likely.

As to the gift from god thing, I read it as a rationalization. More would be said in the book with better explanations, but one of the many possible attitudes of these mothers to their children might be that they are the one good thing that came from the attack-- little gifts from god that made going through that horror worthwhile. That might not make sense to a lot of people, but most of us will never go through what she did and have no idea how she is thinking. If it helps her heal, what's the harm?