Murcia schoolgirl, 12, pregnant by boy of same age

In accordance with usual procedures, medical staff have been in contact with social services and the family has been interviewed to find out whether the mother-to-be is a victim of child abuse.

But all circumstantial evidence so far seems to indicate that the girl had consenting sexual relations with a boy of her own age.

Neither the girl nor the 12-year-old father can be named for legal reasons, but both are said to have been born in the Region of Murcia to parents from an undisclosed South American country.

In some nations in Latin America – notably in Ecuador – it would not be illegal for the pair to have a child together, or even marry, but in Spain, the legal minimum age of sexual consent has recently been increased from 13 to 16 and a couple cannot marry before age 16.

Either way, even if the pregnant schoolgirl had not consented to having sex, the father would not be able to face charges, since under-14s are not considered criminally-liable under Spanish law.

Being pregnant at the age of 12 carries a very high risk to the health and life of mother and baby, meaning the child will be closely monitored by the hospital for her own safety.

In a situation like hers, she would immediately be eligible for an abortion if she wished, but as she is under 16, would need her parents' or guardians' written consent.