7 days ago
Child rape victim, 12, dies giving birth to 22-year-old attacker's baby
A 12-year-old girl who was allegedly raped by a 22-year-old man has died giving birth to her attacker's baby.
The unnamed schoolgirl, who was eight months pregnant, was rushed to a maternity hospital in the eastern Brazilian city of Belo Horizonte after suffering from severe stomach cramps.
Local media reports said she had to undergo an emergency C-section and died from a brain haemorrhage, but her newborn reportedly survived.
The girl, who lived in the indigenous Warao tribal community, began experiencing pregnancy symptoms such as nausea and loss of appetite.
But according to family members, the child did not understand what was happening, which meant that she did not tell her parents that she was expecting for several week.
As a result, she did not receive any prenatal care, it is understood.
Due to her age, hospital staff alerted the police, who have since opened an investigation into the rape of a vulnerable person.
Her baby's father is reportedly a 22-year-old man who lived in the same indigenous community as her.
Her uncle Andy Tovar said: 'This death was because of her pregnancy. It was an adult man, we already know who he is.'
In Brazil, the rape of a vulnerable person comes with a penalty of up to 15 years behind bars.
It is unclear if the suspect has been arrested.
City Hall officials said the family has been offered expert counselling.
A spokesperson said: 'The family received continuous monitoring from the unit's multidisciplinary team, including psychological support.'
Abortion is only legal in Brazil when the pregnant person's life is at risk or when the pregnancy results from rape.
The disturbing case comes after a 12-year-old girl gave birth to twins in Argentina after being denied an abortion by local authorities despite having been raped back in 2020.
Authorities in Jujuy forced the child to remain pregnant until the twins could be safely delivered by caesarean section.
Abortion only became legal in Argentina later that year.
