What Happened
Congresswoman Alexandra Brenes, a member of the Vamos coalition, said she was “petrified” after touring private and state shelters in Panama City that house pregnant girls and teenagers. Speaking on the program “Open Debate,” Brenes said she was shocked to find cases involving children as young as 8 and 9, particularly from rural areas.
“I was petrified. I kept saying, ‘How can we allow these kinds of situations in this country?’ And indeed, it’s something that’s been discussed a lot this week; the girls, at this particular shelter, arrive pregnant,” the congresswoman said.
Background
Since last month, Brenes and the National Assembly’s Women’s Commission have inspected several comprehensive care centers to verify the health and living conditions of children in care. The visits follow allegations of negligence involving SENNIAF (the agency referenced in reporting) and reports of sexual abuse within some facilities.
Next Steps
Brenes said there are plans to extend visits to hard-to-reach, rural locations where the highest incidence of early pregnancies has been recorded. She indicated the intention to work together with local authorities and institutions to identify solutions, and the inspections by the Women’s Commission are ongoing.
What This Means
The congresswomans account highlights a deeply concerning pattern of early pregnancy among minors in Panama and raises questions about oversight, child protection and prevention efforts. Allegations of negligence and sexual abuse within shelters have prompted legislative scrutiny and inspections aimed at verifying conditions and ensuring the safety of children in care.
Officials and agencies involved in child welfare, including those referenced in reporting, may face increased pressure to produce findings from inspections and to outline concrete measures to protect minors and address the underlying causes of early pregnancy, especially in rural communities.