Paraguay abortion: Stepfather arrested in pregnant 10-year-old rape case

The Paraguay government denied the girl an abortion after she became pregnant from rape

The hospital where the child is believed to have been moved (Google maps)

Police have arrested the fugitive stepfather of a pregnant 10-year-old girl who has been denied an abortion by the Paraguay government.

The 42-year-old man, who The Independent is not naming to protect the identity of the girl, denies the charges and claims he was set up, Sky News has reported.

Speaking to reporters after the arrest was confirmed in a police statement, the man said: “I’ve been with tonnes of women and I never got anybody pregnant."

He went on the run after police announced he was a suspect. He faces 15 years in prison if he is found guilty.

His stepdaughter is now five months' pregnant. On Wednesday a judge rejected a request from the girl’s mother for medical experts to evaluate the case, News.au reported.

Abortion is illegal in Paraguay unless the life of the mother is in danger.

The case has fuelled fierce debate over the law.

Weighing just 34 kilos, humanitarian groups believe that her life is in danger as her body is not developed enough to carry a child. Doctors have said the birth will be via caesarean section to minimise any risk.

Antonio Barrios, Paraguay's health minister, said: "The pregnancy will not be interrupted... we’ve completely ruled out abortion,” according to Sky.

Doctors discovered she was pregnant when her mother to took her to a clinic, concerned she had a tumour. She was later arrested on suspicion of enabling her daughter’s abuse.

Deputy Director at Amnesty International, said: “The physical and psychological impact of forcing this young girl to continue with an unwanted pregnancy is tantamount to torture.”

Mr Marengo continued that authorities “cannot sit idly by” while the girl is “forced to endure more agony and torment.”