Girl, 12, who gave birth at a Western Australian home DIDN’T KNOW she was pregnant until the baby arrived – as it’s revealed the father is a child himself
- A 12-year-old girl who gave birth has revealed she didn’t know she was pregnant
- She gave birth at home before being transferred to a Mandurah-based hospital
- Her case will be investigated to see if she was sexually abused or might be again
- There has been 12 girls her age who gave birth in Western Australia since 1980
The 12-year-old girl who gave birth in Australia didn’t know she was pregnant and the father is a child himself, it has been revealed.
The young girl went into labour at a Perth home, where the baby was delivered, before being transferred to King Edward Memorial Hospital with her healthy child at 2am on Sunday, 7 News reported.
When she arrived at the facility, the 12-year-old, who has since been discharged, reportedly told staff she didn’t realise she was pregnant at the time.
A 12-year-old Perth girl who gave birth at home has revealed she didn’t even know she was pregnant and the father is a child himself
Police later revealed that the baby’s father is also a child himself and known to the young mother, who is believed to have been 11 years of age when she got pregnant.
A police spokeswoman on Friday told the publication they are working with the Department of Communities and the Health Department.
‘There are complex social issues, which are being managed by all agencies, and the current priority is to ensure appropriate support is provided to the family,’ the spokeswoman said.
News of the 12-year-old giving birth sparked a coordinated response from health authorities.
There have been 12 registered births to mothers aged 12 since 1980 – the youngest to ever give birth – according to WA Health Department records.
In 2017 there were three registered births to girls aged 13 or younger, seven to 14-years-olds, and 21 to 15-year-olds.
The young girl has become one the youngest mothers in the state’s history.
The young girl gave birth at home before being transferred to King Edward Memorial Hospital with her healthy baby at 2am on Sunday
The Department of Communities would not comment on the specific case, but confirmed the case required a joint support effort.
‘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,’ a spokesperson told the Midland Reporter.
‘The Department of Communities, the WA Police and Department of Health work together intensively in the best interests of all concerned.’
Spokeswoman Jackie Tang said it was being investigated as to whether sexual abuse of the girl led to her pregnancy, of if she was likely to be abused.
‘Where necessary, the matter will be referred to the WA Police for further investigation and referrals to appropriate supports are provided,’ she said.