Activists outraged after Paraguay denies abortion to 10-year-old rape victim [View all]

[Judi Lynn]

Activists outraged after Paraguay denies abortion to 10-year-old rape victim

By Mary Papenfuss
May 5, 2015 07:53 BST

Despite an international outcry and a plea from her mother, Paraguay authorities have denied an abortion to a 10-year-old girl believed raped by her stepfather. The Catholic country only allows an abortion if the mother's life is in danger.

The girl is one of three siblings who shared a rented room with their mother and stepfather in the town of Luque. The mother reported to authorities over a year ago that her husband was sexually abusing her daughter, but nothing was done. The girl in now about 22 weeks pregnant.

"Right now, there is no reason to interrupt the pregnancy," Lida Sosa, director of healthcare programs at the ministry of public health and wellness, told the Guardian. "She has no complications at all."

The girl was taken to a shelter and her mother was imprisoned last month, accused of failing to protect her child. The stepfather has fled.

More:
http://www.ibtimes.co.uk/activists-outraged-after-paraguay-denies-abortion-10-year-old-rape-victim-1499633