Outrage as Chilean law denies girl, 11, abortion
Raped and now carrying a fetus whose life, as well as the mother's, is at risk, child's plight sparks debate in conservative Catholic country
The case of a pregnant 11-year-old girl who was raped in Chile by her mother's partner has set off a national debate about abortion in one of the most socially conservative countries in Latin America.
Chileans were outraged on Friday after state TV reported that the girl is 14 weeks pregnant and was raped repeatedly over two years. Police in the southern city of Puerto Montt arrested her mother's partner, who confessed to abusing the girl.
Doctors say the girl's life and that of the fetus are at high risk. But in Chile, ending the pregnancy is not an option.
Chile allowed abortions for medical reasons until they were outlawed in 1973 by General Augusto Pinochet's dictatorship. The current government of conservative President Sebastian Pinera has opposed any loosening of the prohibition.
Many Chileans are venting outrage on social media. Some started an online campaign to demand legalisation of abortion in cases of rape or health risks for the mother.
"When I heard about this little girl my first reaction was to support abortion, because I think it's the best option in this case," said Eduardo Hernandez, 30.