Amid much discussion about the Supreme Court’s recent landmark decision on abortion rights for victims of rape, Corrientes Health Minister Julián Dindart ignited controversy today with comments on early age pregnancies.
The health minister spoke about the subject today on Radio Dos, suggesting that pregnancy at a young age can present enticements to young women from an economic standpoint.
“Some girls become pregnant because they have an economic resource as a reward, but there are several reasons,” Dindart said.
Social groups reacted fiercely to Dindart’s comments in part because they surrounded a discussion about two cases of girls, aged 10 and 12, who were treated for advanced pregnancies.
The health minister discussed high levels of early pregnancy in Corrientes and pointed out that the numbers were also relatively high around the country. He argued today that programs such as the Universal Child Allowance have advantages that may be a national pattern.
The head of the women’s movement “Juana Azurduy”, Carolina Gonzalez, described Dindart’s comments as “terrible and despicable,” asking him to stop “insulting women and young girls who have been abused.
Dindart also said that he disagrees with the decision of the Supreme Court, which set a new precedent based on the case of a girl who had been abused by her stepfather.
“I do not share that decision because it leaves open a very large door to lying,” Dindart said.
