(CNN) — Chilean President Sebastian Pinera stoked an abortion debate in his country over remarks he made about an 11-year-old girl who became pregnant after being raped by her mother’s partner.
Abortion is illegal without exception in the South American country.
The girl, known only as ‘Belen’, said in an interview that she would have the baby.
Pinera, a supporter of the abortion ban, said Belen’s decision shows “depth and maturity” and asked the country’s

health minister to personally watch over her health.
Political opponents seized on the president’s comments, creating a national debate on the issue.
Former President Michelle Bachelet, who is running for the presidency once again, told Radio ADN that abortion should be an option in the case of rape.