Born in 1933, Lina Medina lived in a small village in Peru where her extraordinary case began to unfold. At the tender age of five, her parents took her to a hospital in Puno due to what they believed was a growth or tumor in her abdomen. In February 1939, doctors discovered she was not suffering from a tumor but was, in fact, pregnant. This shocking revelation led to extensive medical discussions regarding her age, the implications of early pregnancy, and the surrounding circumstances.

Lina's pregnancy was confirmed via X-ray, which indicated skeletal maturity that was unusual for her age. Due to the medical complexities associated with her young age, she underwent a Cesarean section on May 14, 1939, a procedure that became necessary as Lina's pelvis had not matured enough for a natural birth. Lina gave birth to a healthy boy named Gerardo, who weighed 2.7 kg (6 lbs) at birth. The case gained significant international attention not only due to its nature but also because of the social and ethical implications surrounding such an early pregnancy.

Following the birth, questions arose about the circumstances of Lina's conception, which was attributed to an unknown sexual assault, although the identity of the perpetrator was never established. The case drew considerable media coverage and raised awareness about child protection laws, reproductive health, and the rights of minors, impacting discussions about sexual abuse and child welfare policies later on.