A 10-year-old Colombian girl has sparked outrage after becoming one of the world's youngest ever mothers by giving birth to a healthy daughter.
The girl, a member of an indigenous tribe called the Wayuu who are based in the La Guajira Peninsula in the north of the country, was 39 weeks pregnant when she underwent a Caesarean section. Most pregnancies are 38 weeks.
It was the first time the pre-teen, from the town of Manaure, had visited a doctor in connection with her pregnancy.
Mother: The girl, a member of the northern indigenous
Wayuu tribe in the La Guajira Peninsula, was 39 weeks pregnant when she
underwent a Caesarean section
Doctors decided to carry out the risky operation because of her age - and both mother and daughter, who weighed just 5lbs, are said to be 'doing well'.
This is despite the mother refusing to breastfeed her newborn and the pair being confined to the neo-natal unit of the hospital, which has not been disclosed.
Although Colombian police could prosecute the father for underage sex, the country's constitution guarantees the Wayuu a certain amount of autonomy.
It allows the tribe to maintain its own sovereignty and certain cultural heritages, of which one is said to be the giving birth of children at an extremely young age.
In any case the community has remained tight-lipped as to the identity of the father, with some Colombian newspaper speculating it is a 15-year-old boy. Others believe it is a 30-year-old man.
Medical: It was the first time the girl, from the town of
Manaure, had visited a doctor in connection with her pregnancy
Anonymous: The girl, who has not yet been named, has not
revealed to the media who the father is
The case has led to criticism from the director of the hospital where she gave birth.
EfraÃn Pacheco Casadiego told RCN La Radio: 'We've already seen similar cases of wayuu girls.
'At a time when (the girls) should be playing with dolls, they go to having to take care of a baby. It's shocking.'
But Alejandro Samplayo, director of parenthood organisation Instituto Colombiano Bienestar Familiar, referred to the tribe's culture.
He added: 'Since it's a Wayuu girl we are trying to respect all of their rights since they have autonomy and their own jurisdiction.'
Home: The town of Manaure is in the northern La Guajira
Peninsula of Colombia
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actually she is not the youngest mother ever. the youngest mother ever was 5 years, 7months and 17days when she had her first child. Lina Medina from Peru.
ReplyDeletehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lina_Medina
ReplyDeleteWorld's youngest mother in recent times it says ...
ReplyDeleteWonders shall never stop! Those who do not know left from right now becoming parent, how would they train the child?
ReplyDeleteWho impregnated her?was she married at da age of Nine?
ReplyDeleteSee the Irony of Life...some couple have been married for year and no kids; here were are with children giving birth to children ! Wonder shall never end!
ReplyDeleteThis is disgusting! I dont care if they have thier own laws too bad! Something needs to be done for the safety of these children..When a child who doesnt have any say in what is happening to them is abused, then someone needs to step in and fight for that childs rights. i don't care what country your in. Peopel know the difference between right and wrong, and boy is this just wrong. When the Lord comes to judge watch out Wayuu tribe in Manaure, Colombia because you will be swiftly dealt with!!! I'm so appauled I would like to go in there myself and teach those sick men a lesson!
ReplyDelete