The leading Dominican maternity hospital, La Altagracia, is managing the case of a 13-year old girl from San Jose de Ocoa who is pregnant with triplets, reportedly by a 60-year old man. Hospital director Dr. Victor Calderon says the girl is suffering from malnutrition and is being treated with vitamins. Once she is stable, she will be sent home. He said that 29% of the cases received at the hospital are of pregnant teenagers. The hospital has a specialized center where the teenagers also receive psychological assistance.
The Medina Administration recently issued Decree 264-13 that created an inter-institutional commission to coordinate and follow up on the implementation of the National Plan to Prevent Pregnancies in Teenagers that was launched in 2011. The commission members are the Vice President, the First Lady’s Office, and the ministries of Women, Health, Education, Youth and Economy.