In 1939, Lina Medina became a mother. She was 5 years old.

Lina Medina became the youngest mother ever after giving birth to a son at the age of five. Yes, you read that correctly. Five.

In 1933, Lina Medina was born in Ticrapo, Peru. Her parents brought her to the hospital when she was five due to her abnormally large abdomen. At first, doctors thought Lina had a tumor, but were shocked to discover she was actually seven months pregnant.

On May 14, 1939, Lina — at just 5 years old — gave birth to a boy by caesarean section, making her the youngest known person in history to give birth. When doctors performed the caesarean, they were shocked again to realise Lina already had developed fully mature sexual organs from a condition known as “precocious puberty”.

Medina’s son weighed just over six pounds at birth and was named Gerardo after her doctor. Both were able to leave the hospital after only a few days. Gerardo was raised believing that Medina was his big sister, but learned at the age of 10 that she was indeed his mother.

Although Lina’s father was arrested on suspicion of child abuse, he was later released due to lack of evidence. Gerardo’s biological father was never identified.

Though the case has been speculated as a hoax, a number of doctors over the years have verified it based on biopsies, X-rays, and photographs taken by the doctors caring for her.

So, whatever happened to Lina? In the video below, you’ll see photos of Lina and her son. Prepare to be amazed by the life and legacy she left behind since giving birth 75 years ago.

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This post originally appeared on Little Things and was republished here with full permission.

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