Girl, 11, raped by step father gives birth in Paraguay

In Paraguay, an 11-year-old girl who was denied an abortion has given birth to a baby girl.

Elizabeth Torales, the lawyer for the girl’s mother said the minor gave birth via caesarean Thursday. Torales said there were no complications and both the mother and baby are resting.

The girl allegedly was raped and impregnated by her stepfather when she was 10. The stepfather has been arrested and is awaiting trial. The girl’s mother has been charged with negligence.

The mother requested an abortion for her daughter, but the government blocked it, drawing criticism from many groups, including UN human rights officials. Paraguay bans abortion except when the mother’s life is in danger, and local health officials said it was not.

*Reported by Toronto Star