The little girl who holds the record as the youngest confirmed mother in history was Lina Marcela Medina. She gave birth to a son in Peru in 1939, at the incredibly young age of 5 years, 7 months, and 21 days.
Lina Medina: The Youngest Confirmed Mother in History
Lina Medina's case is one of the most extraordinary medical phenomena ever recorded. Born into a poor family in a remote village in Peru, her parents initially sought medical attention for what they believed was a large abdominal tumor. To their astonishment, doctors diagnosed her with an advanced pregnancy.
Key Facts About Lina Medina
Attribute | Details |
---|---|
Full Name | Lina Marcela Medina |
Born | 23 September 1933 |
Birthplace | Ticrapo, Castrovirreyna, Peru |
Known For | Youngest confirmed mother in history |
Spouse | Raúl Jurado |
The Unprecedented Event
Lina's parents took her to the hospital in Pisco, Peru, due to her significantly enlarged abdomen. After thorough examination, it was confirmed that she was more than seven months pregnant. This revelation shocked the medical community and the public. Due to her extremely young age and underdeveloped pelvis, it was determined that a natural birth would be impossible and highly dangerous.
On May 14, 1939, Lina gave birth to a healthy baby boy via cesarean section performed by Dr. Gerardo Lozada and Dr. Rolando Colareta. Her son weighed 2.7 kg (6 lb) at birth. The doctors named him Gerardo in honor of Dr. Lozada. The identity of the father was never definitively established, and the circumstances surrounding Lina's pregnancy remain unclear, though a case of sexual abuse was strongly suspected and investigated, leading to an arrest that was later released due to lack of evidence.
Life After Childbirth
Lina's son, Gerardo, was raised believing Lina was his older sister until he was approximately 10 years old, when he learned the truth. He grew up healthy but passed away in 1979 at the age of 40 due to bone marrow disease.
Lina Medina lived a private life after the initial intense media scrutiny. She eventually married Raúl Jurado, and they had another son. Her case has been extensively documented in medical literature, serving as a unique and perplexing example of precocious puberty.
Her story remains a profound reminder of a rare and challenging medical phenomenon, making her a significant figure in medical history.