News, views and top stories in your inbox. Don't miss our must-read newsletter Sign up Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email

An 11-year-old girl left pregnant after she was allegedly kidnapped and raped must keep the baby - because of a controversial new law.

Juan Leon-Gomez, 26, reportedly snatched the child and carried out the degrading attack at his home.

He has been arrested after the youngster was allegedly found in his closet, and he now faces kidnap and rape charges in Massillon, Ohio.

But the girl cannot choose to have abortion, due to Ohio's new "heartbeat bill".

It last month became illegal in the state to abort a baby at or after six weeks, when a fetal heartbeat can be detected.

Rape victims are not exempt from this law, signed by the government to "protect the most vulnerable".

"Government's role should be to protect life from the beginning to the end," Governor of Ohio, 72-year-old Mike DeWine said.

And people online have suggested the girl's case is a prime example why the bill should never have been signed.

(Image: Google)

"The 'Christians' who allow this are evil, sick, disgusting sub-human lacking in empathy and compassion for victims," wrote one person.

Another posted: "We need to start throwing Christians to the lions again."

One man said: "Ohio really has sunk far into hick state territory. I am so relieved I live on the coast and in a free and modern state. Not some rural trash hole."

Other states, including Kentucky and Iowa, decided against the "heartbeat bill" in recent months.

Campaigners in Ohio have also called it "unconstitutional".

However, others have backed the law.

One person wrote online: "Why would you even bring up the heartbeat bill!?!? You are trying to push your agenda of letting people kill babies onto this sick case!"

Leon-Gomez, from Massillon, remains in custody but is yet to be charged.

He's on a $1 million (£760,000) bond.