Happening in Spain: 10 Year-old Gives Birth

A disturbing report out of Spain has caused quite a stir across the Internet, as reports of a 10-year old girl giving birth have been confirmed by several media outlets.

It turns out that the father of the child is also an underage boy, and authorities are still uncertain of what will happen to the custody of the child. The main concern is that both the mother and the child be cared for properly, and if the family of the young mother is able to provide proper care then the newborn will likely be able to remain in their custody.

The birth took place last week in the city Jerez de la Frontera and the baby was delivered in good health at 6.4 lbs.

Dr Adolfo López Gómez of Seville's Sagrado Corazón hospital did mention that there are health risks involved in such a situation. “At a young age your bones are not even fully formed,” he said. “The high level of hormonal activity caused by a pregnancy can provoke problems.” Studies have also shown that teenage girls are more likely to give birth to premature babies and their infants have a higher chance of dying by age one.” But it seems that everything went well and everyone is home and healthy.

Shockingly, the community of Andalucía has had 177 children born to girls under the age of 14 since 2008. Spain also allows marriages in exceptional circumstances between those as young as 14-years old.

Around the Web:

10-year-old gives birth in southern Spain [Yahoo! News]

Spain: 10-Year-Old Gives Birth [NY Times]

Mother Unfazed After 10-Year-Old Daughter Gives Birth [AOL News]