Woman auctions virginity to care for sick mum

A young woman living in Valencia has put her virginity up for auction to pay for care for her mother who is suffering from Alzheimer's.

Evelyn Duenas, 28, originally from Ecuador, is selling her virginity to the top bidder on a Latin American website that mostly deals with puppies and second-hand iPhones, setting a reserve price of US$15,000 (NZ$22,700).

"It's a great sacrifice, but I'm doing it for my mother. I don't think it will solve all my problems, but it will give me some financial stability," Ms Duenas said.

"I don't care what people think."

She works as a cleaner and hopes there will be enough money left over to fund studies in medicine.

She has imposed strict conditions on the man who would deflower her. He must have a medical certificate proving his good health, must use a condom and may only stay with her for one night.

She will allow "no kisses or caresses", and will attend the rendezvous in a hotel of her choice accompanied by a trusted friend.

Her appeal may have touched the heart of the Ecuadorean government, which is reportedly "analysing the possibility" of contributing to her mother's care in Ecuador or to her studies, to prevent her resorting to such a desperate measure.

- THE INDEPENDENT