Paraguay: Amnesty International alerts for an epidemic of infant pregnancy

They denounce an epidemic of infant pregnancy in Paraguay 0:53

(CNN) -

An epidemic of infant pregnancy in Paraguay is being fueled by widespread sexual abuse and restrictive abortion laws in the country, according to a new report from Amnesty International.

At least 1,000 girls aged 14 and younger gave birth in the country between 2019 and 2020, the report says.

It adds that more than 12,000 teens between the ages of 15 and 19 gave birth in 2019.

• Subjecting an 11-year-old girl to a forced pregnancy is "torture," says the UN in Bolivia

The report, titled "They are girls, not mothers," highlights a crisis of sexual violence against girls, who are then forced to carry out their pregnancies under Paraguayan law.

A pregnant teenager holds a sign that reads: "More information, better protection" at a demonstration for the National Day of Awareness on Child Sexual Exploitation and Abuse, in Asunción, Paraguay, in 2017.

The abortion laws of the South American nation are some of the most extreme in the region, with the procedure criminalized in almost all circumstances, except when it is recognized that the life of the mother is in danger.

Paraguay has one of the highest infant and adolescent pregnancy rates in Latin America and the Caribbean, according to the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO).

Preterm labor can present significant health risks.

Girls under the age of 15 are four times more likely to die from pregnancy-related complications, according to the Latin American Consortium Against Unsafe Abortion.

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Rape and pregnancy of an 11-year-old girl reignites debate on abortion 3:23

In Paraguay, girls and adolescents between the ages of 10 and 19 represent one in ten maternal deaths nationwide, as well as 13% of maternal deaths caused by unsafe abortions, according to Amnesty.

Paraguay adopted a law in 2018 to prevent sexual abuse and guarantee comprehensive care for children and adolescents who are survivors of sexual abuse.

However, the report describes the implementation of the law as insufficient, highlighting gaps in the protection of young people, "such as the absence of adequate public policies and the lack of compliance with existing laws to prevent abuses and provide redress when they occur."

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"By action and omission, Paraguay is turning its back on its girls and adolescents who are facing unimaginable abuse," said Erika Guevara-Rosas, Americas Director at Amnesty International.

"Girls have the right to a life free of violence. Forcing someone to continue with a pregnancy, especially when it is the result of rape, is a form of mistreatment that can be considered torture," he added.

In 2019 alone, the country's Public Ministry received an average of 12 complaints of sexual violence against girls and adolescents daily, which in some cases resulted in pregnancies, according to the report.

Paraguay's restrictive stance on abortion has drawn international attention before.

In 2015, an 11-year-old girl gave birth after the Paraguayan authorities denied her an abortion.

The girl had become pregnant by her stepfather at age 10.

Adolescent pregnancy