A 12-year-old girl has delivered a baby at a Perth hospital, prompting health and government authorities to investigate.
The young girl went into labour and delivered her baby in December. It’s understood the girl was only 11 years old when she became pregnant.
Details of the birth were first reported in local Perth newspapers on 24 January 2019. The Department of Communities confirmed the birth. But spokeswoman Jackie Tang said they would not reveal any more details to protect the young mother’s privacy.
12 year old gives birth? Who’s the father?
At first, it wasn’t known whether the child was sexually assaulted, prompting police to be called in. But it has since been revealed that the father of the baby is a 14-year-old boy.
“A coordinated response is required from a range of State Government and external support agencies both in the short and long term in order to make a lasting difference to the wellbeing of all affected parties,” Ms Tang told media before details of the father were known.
“The Department of Communities, the WA Police and the Department of Health work together intensively in the best interests of all concerned.
“If there are concerns that a child may have been sexually abused or is likely to be sexually abused, Communities undertakes a thorough assessment of the situation.
“Where necessary, the matter will be referred to the WA Police for further investigation and referrals to appropriate supports are provided.”
Young parents could face charges
The age for consent in WA is 16, so the baby’s parents could be charged with unlawful sexual activity, though police will not say if this is likely to happen. The department will also not say who is caring for the baby or whether relatives will help the young parents raise it.
The girl is one of the youngest mums on record in WA. On the other end of the spectrum is this Sydney woman, who had a baby at 58.
