AUTHORITIES IN SPAIN are evaluating whether the family of a 10-year-old who gave birth recently should retain custody of the infant.

Newser reports that the baby was born last week in Jerez de la Frontera.

Authorities confirmed that the baby’s father is also a minor and said that both mother and baby are in good health, but refused to give any further details.

Head of the Andalucian health service said the “important thing is that both the baby and the mother should be cared for properly”, according to the Guardian.

Spanish health officials have warned of the risks associated with very young girls becoming pregnant, saying that the hormonal activity accompanying pregnancy can cause problems.

In the Andalucia region, 177 children were born to girls aged 14 or under in 2008, although this appears to be the first case involving a 10-year-old.

Local papers suggested that the baby’s family are originally from Romania, and they reportedly told doctors that such young births were not uncommon in their native country.