Social Network

I stumbled across the story of Lina Medina today and all I have to say is…well, I don’t know what to say really. The story sounds way too bizarre. I appreciate that crazy things happen in life. Things go haywire sometimes; but the idea of a girl starting her first menstrual period at 8 months is sad; and what’s sadder is the idea of anyone becoming a mother at the age of 5. This is the most ridiculous story I’ve ever heard. I’m inclined to think it’s fake. I’m embarrassed to be even wondering if it’s true. It’s like wondering if UFO stories are true.

Time.com has an article from their 1939 archives about the story of Lina Medina. Here’s an excerpt from the article:

Ten days ago in Lima’s maternity hospital, surrounded by an audience of 35 Peruvian doctors, Surgeon Lozada performed a Caesarean section on 70-lb. Lina, brought forth a lusty, six-pound baby boy. But bewildered Lina would have nothing to do with her child, could not comprehend that he belonged to her. Silent and uncommunicative, she lay on her hospital bed fondling a shiny, new doll, fingering with reverence a holy picture pinned on her pillow. Read Full article

If this did indeed happen, my next question is, who had sex with that poor little girl? The Times article seems to close with a suggestion that Lina Medina might have been older than five, suggesting she could possibly have been 8 or 9. I guess back in the 30s it wasn’t all that outrageous for 8 and 9 year old girls to have babies?

All in all this comes down to a single point: whoever had sex with Lina Medina was a truly sick individual.