Introduction
Child marriage is not just a legal or social problem; it is a public health crisis with devastating consequences for young girls. The practice forces girls into early pregnancy before their bodies are ready, leading to severe health complications, including death. This article examines the specific health risks associated with child marriage and why raising the age of marriage to 18 is a critical public health intervention.
Early Pregnancy and Its Complications
In developing countries like Pakistan, the leading cause of death for girls between the ages of 15 and 18 is early pregnancy. The female body is still developing during adolescence, and early pregnancy increases the risk of obstetric fistula, pre-eclampsia, eclampsia, and obstructed labor. Girls under 18 are significantly more likely to experience complications during pregnancy and childbirth than older women, and their babies are also more likely to be born prematurely or with low birth weight.
Maternal Mortality
Pakistan already has one of the highest maternal mortality rates in the region, and child marriage exacerbates this problem. When girls are married off young, they are typically under enormous pressure to bear children immediately. This leads to a cycle of teenage pregnancies, each one taking a toll on their health. These pregnancies lead to a high number of maternal deaths and lifelong disability for those who survive childbirth complications.
Mental Health and Psychological Trauma
The health impacts of child marriage are not just physical but also mental and psychological. Being forced into marriage at a young age, often to a much older man, can cause severe trauma. Many girls are married off without understanding the consequences, and they are ripped away from their families and education, causing profound distress. The lack of emotional maturity to handle marital responsibilities and the power imbalances often lead to depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder.
Lack of Access to Healthcare
Child brides often have limited access to healthcare, particularly reproductive health services. Their husbands and in-laws may control their mobility, restricting their ability to visit a doctor. Even when they can access care, they may be hesitant to seek help due to stigma or fear. This lack of access means that many health issues go untreated, leading to serious or fatal consequences.
Legislation as a Health Intervention
The new law in Punjab is a crucial public health intervention. By raising the minimum age of marriage to 18, it prevents girls from entering the cycle of early pregnancy and gives them a chance to grow up healthy. Punjab Information Minister Azma Bokhari highlighted that “Many girls died of childbirth complications because of getting married under 16 years of age,” directly linking the practice to mortality. By setting a legal age, the law protects girls from the physical and psychological dangers of early childbearing, contributing to their overall well-being.