Tell Paraguay: Provide an abortion for this 10-year-old rape survivor!
Last month, a 10-year-old girl in Paraguay arrived at a local hospital complaining of a stomachache. Tests revealed she was 21 weeks pregnant, the result of her stepfather raping her.
Paraguay's draconian abortion laws only allow for an abortion when the mother's life is in danger. But even though the risks are building for this 10-year-old girl each day, so far government officials are refusing her access to an abortion that would protect her health.
Forcing this young girl to carry the emotional and physical trauma of this pregnancy is tantamount to torture. Please, ask Paraguay's Health Minister Dr. Antonio Barrios to allow this 10-year-old access to an abortion immediately, before it's too late.
Dear Dr. Antonio Barrios,
I'm calling on you to intervene immediately to provide an abortion for a pregnant 10-year-old girl who was raped by her stepfather. Forcing her to continue with this pregnancy is dangerous and tantamount to torture, according to Amnesty International.
[Your comment will be added here]
You've said that improving Paraguayans' sexual and reproductive health through fair, equitable, and inclusive policies is a priority for your administration. Paraguay's legislation already allows for safe and legal abortion when the life of the mother is at stake.
And now you're claiming that a 10-year-old girl can safely deliver a baby, against the advice of health agencies and medical authorities who say that pregnancy can have devastating health consequences for young girls whose bodies are not fully developed.
I urge you to reevaluate your stance and provide this young girl the health care she needs and deserves.
Thank you.
[Your name]
