A proposal has been put forth to introduce chemical castration to lower the recidivism rate of child sex offenders. On July 22, 2025, during a plenary session of the Paraguayan Chamber of Deputies, Congresswoman Dalia Estigarribia emphasized the need to discuss chemical castration as a stronger and more permanent punishment for child sex offenders, amid widespread outrage from lawmakers over cases of child sexual assault and murder. This argument gained significant weight due to a recent case involving the rape and murder of a 12-year-old girl, where the perpetrator had a history of molesting the same child and had been previously punished.
Congresswoman Estigarribia cited statistics and medical opinions indicating that child sex offenders tend to re-offend, stating, "These murderers, these sick people, these pedophiles cannot be cured." She believes that given the brutality of child sexual abuse and the irreparable harm to child victims, current punishments are insufficient to prevent re-offenses.
Estigarribia particularly criticized the judge who granted parole to the suspect, Marcelo Giménez Duarte. Giménez Duarte reportedly lived only a few meters from the victim's home and committed the crime again while on release, despite having been convicted of sexually assaulting the same minor in April.
Congresswoman Estigarribia also expressed deep concern over the inefficiency of judicial procedures and the delayed introduction of recidivism prevention devices like electronic ankle monitors. She raised her voice, asking, "Where is our justice? Who allowed this child to live under the shadow of a murderer? Which judge allowed it? Where are the electronic ankle monitors that cannot be used due to bureaucracy?"
Chemical castration involves administering drugs to suppress sexual urges, primarily to reduce recidivism rates among sex offenders in some countries. This typically includes hormone therapy that lowers testosterone levels, which reduces libido and sexual fantasies. While this punishment can raise human rights concerns if enforced coercively and its effects cease when medication is stopped, there is a consistent argument for its consideration given the severity of child sexual abuse.
In Paraguay, this incident is expected to intensify social discourse on strengthening punishments for child sex offenses and developing measures to prevent recidivism. Finding a balance between child protection and respect for human rights will be a crucial challenge moving forward.
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