BOGOTA(Thomson Reuters Foundation) - Paraguay's decision to deny a pregnant 10-year-old girl an abortion after she was allegedly raped by her stepfather has sparked a national debate over the country's strict abortion law.
Paraguay's health minister recently refused a request from the girl's mother to terminate the pregnancy, but rights groups say the decision could put the girl's health at risk and is "tantamount to torture".
The girl, who cannot be named, is more than five months pregnant.
In Paraguay, abortion is only allowed when the mother's life is in danger. In all other cases the procedure is a crime.
The girl's mother has been imprisoned, charged with breaching her duty of care.
Health Minister Antonio Barrios told Paraguay's ABC newspaper that doctors and a psychologist were providing care to the girl.