Child of a Child: Family of Pregnant 12-Year-Old Girl Cooperates with Authorities 0 9

While examining the girl, doctors discovered that she had been sexually abused and was expecting a child. The pregnancy had already reached at least half its term. The family was either unaware of the girl's pregnancy or was concealing it. As required by law, the doctors reported the case to the State Police, which initiated a criminal process on February 16 and detained a man born in 2003. The court imposed a measure of restraint in the form of detention.

Data from the Central Statistical Bureau shows that each year in Latvia, pregnancy is detected in approximately 100 girls who have not reached adulthood. About one-third of them choose to terminate the pregnancy. Among all these cases, an average of 2 to 5 involve girls under 15 years old.

According to data from the United Nations, the number of underage mothers in Latvia is moderately low compared to other European Union countries. However, everything possible must be done to prevent such cases from occurring. As noted by Natalia Dubrovska, head of the social service in the Valka region, this case is very delicate and should be discussed as little as possible in public.

"The family is cooperating with us. We are doing our job to help and support them," she said, adding that for the sake of the family's protection, no further information would be provided, as there are already too many rumors circulating.

Gynecologist Dace Rezebere shares that she has had a 14-year-old pregnant patient in her practice, while the president of the Gynecologists' Association and pediatric gynecologist Lasma Lidaka recalls a 12-year-old pregnant girl coming to her about seven or eight years ago. The gynecologist notes that minors face higher risks during pregnancy, as girls need energy not only to carry a child but also for their own growth and development. This is a significant burden for a young body.