Paraguayan Authorities Deny Abortion For Pregnant 10-Year-Old Rape Victim, Sparking Debate Over Nation’s Laws

The Guardian: Pregnant 10-year-old rape victim denied abortion by Paraguayan authorities
“Paraguayan authorities have ruled out abortion for a pregnant 10-year-old girl who was allegedly raped by her stepfather, unless she develops complications that put her life in danger. … The stance of the Paraguayan authorities has enraged human rights groups and feminist activists, who believe the girl — whose name has been withheld because she is a minor — faces psychological and health risks if the baby is born because of her young age and the circumstances that resulted in the pregnancy…” (Oviedo/Watts, 5/4).

Thomson Reuters Foundation: Pregnant 10-year-old rape victim denied abortion in Paraguay
“…The case [has sparked a national debate over the country’s strict abortion law and] has put a spotlight on the taboo issue of incest in the conservative South American nation. Two births a day occur among girls aged 10 to 14 in Paraguay, and many are the result of sexual abuse by relatives and stepfathers, according to the government. Rights group Amnesty International said making the girl continue with the unwanted pregnancy was a form of torture…” (Moloney, 5/5).

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