Chile's president: Pregnant girl shows 'maturity'

AP

SANTIAGO, Chile (AP) — Chile's president is praising an 11-year-old girl for her "depth and maturity" after she said in a recent TV interview that she wants to give birth to the baby who was conceived when she was raped by her mother's partner.

President Sebastian Pinera's Tuesday comments sparked criticism on social media.

Abortions, even for medical reasons and in the case of rape, are illegal in Chile. Pinera's government has opposed any easing of the ban.

The child, whose face was obscured during the TV interview, told local Canal 13 that she wants to have the baby and will love it even though "that man hurt me."

Now 14 weeks pregnant, she was repeatedly raped over the course of two years by her mother's partner. He has been arrested.