Paraguay: 11-year-old rape survivor gives birth after access to abortion denied

Reports that an 11-year-old girl has given birth today after becoming pregnant as a result of repeated rape, allegedly by her step father, are a tragic reminder of the urgent need for Paraguay to repeal its draconian anti-abortion law, said Amnesty International.

The girl, known as Mainumby, was ten-years-old when doctors discovered she was pregnant in April this year. The case led to an international outcry, as the authorities forced her to continue with the pregnancy despite the fact that her life was at risk because of her age.

The baby was delivered by caesarean section as a natural birth was considered too risky to Mainumby’s health.

Erika Guevara, Americas Director at Amnesty International, said: 

“We are very pleased to hear that both Mainumby and the newborn are in good health but she is lucky to be alive. Only time will tell the true extent of the physical and psychological consequences of her tragic ordeal.

“The fact that Mainumby did not die does not excuse the human rights violations she suffered at the hands of the Paraguayan authorities, who decided to gamble with her health, life and integrity despite overwhelming evidence that this pregnancy was extremely risky and despite the fact that she was a rape victim and a child.

“This girl has already suffered enough from the sexual abuse and a pregnancy resulting from rape. The authorities in Paraguay must now ensure she has access to all the health care services she needs, that she can continue her education, and that her immediate family receives the psychological, economic and social support needed in accordance with their wishes.”

Read more:

Paraguay: Ten-year-old rape survivor continues to be denied the option of an abortion despite national and global outrage https://www.amnesty.org.uk/press-releases/paraguay-ten-year-old-rape-su…