In the News

On May 14, 1939 Lina Medina of Peru became the youngest mother to give birth to a healthy baby. At age six, Medina had a son, who until the time he was nine years old thought that Medina was his sister. It has been reported that Medina began her menstrual cycle at two years old; However, it is unknown whether her pregnancy was intentional or not. It is widely speculated that her uncle raped her when she was five years old, but in Peru he was never found guilty of any charges.

Because Medina gave birth 70 years ago, many AHS students find her story shocking and cannot imagine anything like that occurring today. However, on Jan. 27, a girl from the Song Yuan region of China gave birth to a six-pound baby at the age of 9. According to Chinese law, sexual consent with a minor under the age of 14 is not even possible, therefore, making her pregnancy an official rape case.

Although pregnancies like these are rare, they are still possible. Many AHS students believe that teenagers would not become pregnant if given the choice.

“In my opinion I would never consciously decide to get pregnant at this age. Being a mom sounds too hectic and scary,” said senior Sara Quintanilla.

by StaffWriter Anthony Perez