Paraguay govt. denies 10-year-old an abortion; could it happen in the United States?

On April 21, 10-year-old "Mainumby" went to an Asuncion, Paraguay hospital complaining of abdominal pains. What doctors discovered sparked a worldwide debate as to what role government plays when a child has been raped.

Paraguayan authorities allege 42-year-old Benitez Gilberto Zarate fled in the wake of accusations that he impregnated his stepdaughter. He was arrested soon after but denies any wrongdoing. The girl's mother, who in prison facing charges of negligence, requested an abortion after learning of risks associated with "Mainumby" carrying the child to term.

Despite her pleas, along with those from family and numerous international human rights groups, Paraguay's foreign ministry is standing firm in its decision to continue with the pregnancy. Likewise, the Paraguay Ministry of Health says there's no indication that "Mainumby" - now six months into the pregnancy - endured complications thus far.

On June 11 statement, the predominately Catholic country's government said it has "taken all the appropriate measures to avoid impunity for the wrongful act committed and to ensure the life and safety of this and the fetus."

At issue is the decision not to act on Paraguayan abortion law, which bans abortions except when a mother's life is in immediate danger. Last month, United Nations human rights officials said they are wrong to deny the girl a safe and therapeutic solution. The Inter-American Commission on Human Rights cited similar concerns in urging Paraguay's government to take "precautionary measures."

An IACHR report suggested that the girl is four times more likely to die from childbirth than an adult woman. It noted that she faces increased risks of infections, post-natal bleeding, eclampsia, and damage to her reproductive system, as well as threats to her psychological wellbeing.

On average, two girls under age 16 give birth each day, according to local media reports which stress that the rape of minors is becoming "normalized" in the country of 6.8 million. A Unicef study reveals 12.1 percent of Paraguayan girls have given birth between ages 15 to 19.

"Paraguay is failing in its international human rights obligations and in the basic protection of the life of this now 11-year-old child," Tarah Demant, Amnesty U.S.A International Senior Director in the Identity and Discrimination Unit, told the Latinos Post. "Forcing a rape survivor - a child, no less- to carry a pregnancy is barbaric."

Demant added that Paraguay is failing in its human rights obligations by gambling with the child's life. Social media outrage in the United States prompted sentiments similar.

Twitter user Anna Bird said "How can we justify this? A little girl's life/future at risk and we obsess over what the rule book says? Horrific." Chas Young added "[K]ids should not have kids. This girl needs an abortion to save her life."

Most Latin American and Caribbean countries outright ban abortions under all circumstances, even if the mother's life is in peril. Even amid international pressure, Paraguay has supports of at least 87 percent of its citizens, according to a recent survey.  

"The U.S. does not have the same restrictions to abortion that Paraguay does," Demant said, adding that abortions in the States are becoming increasingly difficult.

Since the Supreme Court handed down its 1973 Roe vs. Wade decision limiting governments' power in restricting abortions, states' have adopted legislation limiting when and where woman can undergo the procedure. Pro-life groups continuously spar with pro-choice organizations on religious beliefs and the sanctity of life.

Earlier this month, the 5^th Circuit Court of Appeals in New Orleans upheld most provisions in a law restricting abortions in Texas. While pro-life groups like Americans United for Life called it a "sweeping victory for women," other argued that it struck a blow to women's health and safety. The decision is expected to lead to more abortion clinic foreclosures in a state that only has 17; about 23 fewer than in 2012.

"Accessing a safe and legal abortion in the U.S. depends largely on what state you live in and if you can afford it - and some states demand parental consent, meaning that young women and girls are even more vulnerable."