Ecuador Confronts Child Abuse Crisis With Chemical Castration Plan

Ecuador’s president, Daniel Noboa, has proposed a new law to allow chemical castration for people convicted of raping children under 14.

This step comes after years of rising sexual violence against minors. Official records show that, from 2014 to 2025, Ecuador’s courts processed over 71,000 sexual crime cases. About 22 percent of these crimes involved children.

The government says this measure is needed because too many children have suffered and the current penalties have not stopped repeat offenders. Today, those found guilty of raping a child under 14 face 19 to 22 years in prison.

The proposed law would add chemical castration, which uses medication to lower sexual drive. This treatment is reversible and does not involve surgery. Ecuador would also create a private registry of convicted offenders.

This list would block them from jobs that involve contact with children. Officials believe these steps will help protect young people and lower the risk of repeat crimes.

Other countries, such as Poland, Russia, South Korea, Indonesia, and some U.S. states, already use chemical castration for certain sex crimes. Results are mixed. Some data show lower repeat offenses, but experts disagree on its long-term impact.

Ecuador’s Constitutional Court must review the proposal. If approved, the National Assembly will debate and vote. A public referendum could follow.

This proposal reflects Ecuador’s urgent search for solutions. High crime and insecurity have hurt families and shaken the country’s economy. The government hopes strong action will restore trust and make children safer.

All figures and claims in this article come from official Ecuadorian government and judicial sources. No information has been altered or invented.