A 12-year-old girl who gave birth in Perth and the 14-year-old father could face charges over the baby’s conception.
The girl reportedly delivered her baby at home in Perth and was transferred to King Edward Memorial Hospital.
Police are now investigating the matter as the child’s parents could be charged for engaging in sexual activity.
The law indicates that anyone under 16 cannot legally consent, but police have the discretion not to prosecute, the West Australian reports.
Youth Legal Service WA solicitor Sally Dechow told the newspaper both the mother and father could be charged.
‘Legally they could both be charged, but in practice we’ve found it’s usually the boy who is charged,’ Ms Dechow said.
‘You have to look at the welfare of these kids and whether it’s in the public interest to prosecute children of this age.’
The Department of Communities in Western Australia did not confirm if the baby was in the care of the mother or father’s family.
The girl reportedly told staff at the hospital she had no idea she was even pregnant.
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