Call for raising marriage age limit for girls

Force marriage of minor girls could lead to multiple health problems

LAHORE:

Punjab Minister for Primary and Secondary Healthcare Dr Jamal Nasir emphasised the need for raising the upper age limit for the marriage of girls, because hormonal changes during adolescence often lead to physiological issues.

The minister was speaking at a consultative session arranged under the auspices of the National Commission on the Status of Women (NCSW) on Thursday.

Dr Nasir maintained that forcing the marriage of minor girls, or those who were not physically or emotionally mature, could lead to multiple health problems in these young brides.

Read: https://tribune.com.pk/story/2452383/a-marriage-without-love

“Furthermore, medical evidence supports the fact that females are genetically and naturally more vulnerable, necessitating the protection of their fundamental rights,” the minister remarked.

“Subjecting them to married life at such a young age can cause a drastic deterioration in their physical health,” he added.

Our society grapples with a dilemma when dealing with infertility; typically, the burden of costly and painful testing falls solely on the wife, while the husband may neglect such examinations. This societal behaviour contributes to both physical and mental health issues,” Dr Nasir said.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 12^th, 2024.