Child marriage poses health and psychological risks that threaten the future

Child marriage is a serious issue that still exists in many societies around the world and has a significant impact on the lives and futures of young girls. When a young girl gets married before she is mentally or physically ready, it exposes her to serious health and psychological risks. It also deprives her of her basic rights such as education and a normal life. In this Daleely Medical article, we will discuss the harms faced by underage girls due to early marriage and how this issue can affect their health and overall lives.

Types of Child Marriage

Child marriage has several types that vary depending on the circumstances and factors leading to it. The most prominent types include:

Forced Marriage
- This is when a girl is forced into marriage without her full consent, whether by her family or society.
- This type often results from customs, traditions, or economic pressures.
Traditional Early Marriage
- Occurs when parents decide to marry off their daughter at a young age based on cultural or social beliefs.
- There may not be direct coercion, but it happens due to family pressure or prevailing norms.
Unregistered (Orfi) Marriage of Minors
- This is a marriage that is not legally documented and is conducted through an unofficial contract between the parties or families.
- It is often not officially registered until the girl reaches the legal age of marriage.
- This type is common in some societies as a way to circumvent laws prohibiting early marriage.
Compensatory Marriage or Blood Money Marriage
- Occurs in some cultures as a way to resolve family or tribal disputes, where a girl is married off as compensation to another family.
- This type of marriage is a serious violation of girls’ rights.
Marriage Due to Poverty or Debt
- Some impoverished families resort to marrying off their daughters at a young age due to financial pressures, either to reduce their financial burdens or to receive a dowry that helps improve their living conditions.
- This type of marriage deprives the girl of her right to education and natural growth.
Marriage Due to Pregnancy Outside of Wedlock
- Occurs when a girl becomes pregnant outside of marriage, forcing her and her family into early marriage to avoid social stigma.
- Such marriages are often unstable and lack the foundations of a healthy relationship.
Tourist or Temporary Marriage
- A short-term marriage, particularly between young girls and men from other countries, sometimes for exploitation purposes with the intention of abandoning the girl later.
- This type is prevalent in some countries as a way to bypass religious or legal restrictions.

All these types negatively affect the minor in terms of health, psychological well-being, and social status, depriving her of her basic rights.

Causes of Child Marriage

Poverty and Economic Hardship:
- Poverty is one of the most prominent reasons driving families to marry off their minor daughters to reduce financial burdens and living costs.
- In some societies, dowries or money are offered as part of the marriage contract, making families view child marriage as a means of financial support.
Cultural and Social Traditions:
- In some cultures, marrying off a girl at a young age is considered normal or even desirable to maintain “family honor.”
- Social and family pressures often lead to early marriage to avoid what the community considers “shame” or to enhance the family’s social status.
Lack of Education and Awareness:
- Girls who do not receive a proper education or drop out of school are more vulnerable to early marriage.
- Lack of awareness about the psychological and physical dangers of early marriage contributes to the persistence of this phenomenon without attempts to curb it.
Absence of Legal Protection or Weak Law Enforcement:
- In some countries, there are no clear or strict laws preventing child marriage, or such laws exist but are not effectively enforced.
- Some parents resort to marrying their daughters through unofficial contracts to avoid legal accountability.
Wars, Conflicts, and Disasters:
- The prevalence of child marriage increases in areas affected by conflicts or natural disasters due to insecurity and economic instability.
- Some families resort to marrying off their daughters as a way to protect them or reduce increasing financial burdens.
Lack of Educational and Employment Opportunities:
- Limited educational and employment opportunities for girls in some societies make marriage the only available option for them and their families.
- The absence of educational or training programs that support girls and prepare them for the labor market contributes to the spread of early marriage.
Misconceptions About Maturity and Social Status:
- Some believe that a girl becomes a “woman” as soon as she reaches puberty, making marriage acceptable in some communities.
- The notion that early marriage enhances the family’s status or ensures the girl’s protection from deviation is a common reason for child marriage.
Escaping Domestic Violence or Sexual Abuse:
- Sometimes parents marry off their daughters to protect them from violence or abuse within the household.
- A girl herself may resort to marriage as a means of escaping an unsafe home environment.
Ignorance of Children's and Women's Rights:
- Parents’ lack of knowledge about girls’ rights or their failure to provide a decent life for their daughters can lead to early marriage.
- The absence of awareness programs about girls’ rights and the impacts of early marriage contributes to the persistence of this issue.
Religious Influence or Misinterpretation:
- In some societies, child marriage is justified based on inaccurate religious interpretations or traditions believed to be related to faith.
- Religion is sometimes used as a justification for social customs rather than as a tool for protecting girls and safeguarding their rights.

Groups Most Vulnerable to Child Marriage

Child marriage occurs in various communities, but it is more common among those who are socially and economically disadvantaged. The most at-risk groups include:

Girls in Poor Communities
- Poverty is one of the primary reasons for child marriage, as some families resort to marrying off their daughters early to reduce financial burdens or receive a dowry.
- Girls in these families often lack access to adequate education, increasing the likelihood of early marriage.
Girls in Rural and Remote Areas
- Customs and traditions in villages and rural areas often encourage early marriage as a means of "protecting" the girl.
- Health and educational services in these areas are often limited, making marriage the only available option for girls.
Girls from Families Facing Social Problems
- Girls growing up in broken families due to divorce or the death of a parent are more vulnerable to early marriage.
- In some cases, girls are married off as a way to escape an unstable family environment.
Girls in Conflict and War-Affected Communities
- The prevalence of child marriage increases significantly in conflict zones, where families may marry off their daughters to protect them from violence, poverty, or exploitation.
- In some situations, marriage is used as a means of obtaining financial resources or ensuring the girl’s stability in the absence of security.
Girls Affected by Cultural Pressures and Traditions
- In some communities, early marriage is considered "part of the culture," where families believe that a girl must marry young to preserve "honor and reputation."
- Girls may face social pressure that makes them view marriage as an inevitable choice in their lives, even if they are not prepared for it.

The Most Vulnerable Groups Within Communities

Even within a single community, certain groups are more susceptible to early marriage, such as:

Girls who are uneducated or drop out of school.
Girls belonging to families with low educational levels.
Girls living in environments that lack strict laws against child marriage.
Girls who are pressured by their families due to social or religious reasons.

Health and Psychological Impacts of Child Marriage

Child marriage not only causes social and economic problems but also leaves severe health and psychological effects on the girls. Here is a detailed explanation of these impacts:

First: Health Impacts

Risks of Early Pregnancy: Girls who marry young are often not physically prepared for pregnancy, increasing the likelihood of serious health complications such as:

Pre-eclampsia: A dangerous condition causing high blood pressure and organ damage, potentially leading to death if not properly treated.
Anemia: Due to inadequate nutrition during pregnancy, negatively affecting the health of both mother and child.
Premature Birth: Increasing the risk of infant death or serious health issues such as growth problems or respiratory complications.
Repeated Miscarriages: Especially when the girl’s body is not fully developed or prepared for pregnancy.

Complications During Childbirth: Girls who marry young have higher rates of complications during childbirth, including:

Cesarean Section: Due to an underdeveloped pelvis and inability to endure natural childbirth.
Obstetric Fistula: Severe tears resulting from prolonged labor, causing involuntary leakage of urine or feces.
Postpartum Hemorrhage: Due to a weakened body unable to cope with the strain of childbirth.

Poor General Health: Malnutrition or lack of access to adequate medical care significantly impacts the overall health of the young mother, resulting in:

Weak immune system.
Stunted physical growth.
Chronic diseases associated with malnutrition or early pregnancy.

Increased Risk of Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs): Girls who marry young often lack adequate knowledge about preventing STIs, such as HIV or hepatitis, making them more vulnerable to these diseases.

Second: Psychological and Emotional Impacts

Depression and Anxiety: Early marriage often leaves girls feeling helpless and isolated from their peers, leading to:

Chronic depression.
Constant anxiety.
Loss of hope and low self-esteem.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): Particularly when a girl is forced into marriage or experiences domestic or sexual violence. Symptoms include:

Frequent nightmares.
Persistent distressing thoughts about traumatic experiences.
Difficulty concentrating and sleeping.

Loss of Childhood: Child marriage deprives girls of experiencing a normal childhood, resulting in:

Feelings of deprivation.
Inability to develop new hobbies or skills.
Isolation from friends or school.

Domestic Violence and Abuse: Young girls are more susceptible to violence from their spouse or his family due to their inability to defend themselves or speak about their problems.

They may also face psychological or physical pressure due to cultural practices or restrictions imposed on them.

Destruction of Future Aspirations: Early marriage often leads to girls dropping out of school, reducing their opportunities for suitable employment or professional development.

Social Isolation: Marrying at a young age often isolates girls from their peers, causing a constant feeling of loneliness and lack of belonging.

Loss of Personal Identity: When a minor girl is married, she is often forced to adopt an adult role despite still being in a phase of discovering herself, leading to:

Low self-esteem.
Inability to express desires and hopes.
Feeling that her life is controlled by others.

Would you like me to continue and translate the last part about the health impacts of early pregnancy and child marriage on the mother and the child?

First: Health Impacts on the Underage Mother

1. Pregnancy and Childbirth Issues:

The body of an underage girl is often not fully mature enough to support a healthy pregnancy, leading to an increased likelihood of severe complications during pregnancy or childbirth, such as:

High Blood Pressure: Early pregnancy can cause high blood pressure in young mothers, posing a danger to both her life and the baby's health.
Preeclampsia: A serious condition characterized by high blood pressure, swelling, and sometimes kidney and liver problems.
Anemia: Due to malnutrition or inability to provide essential nutrients to the body.
Postpartum Hemorrhage: A young mother's weak body and age make her more vulnerable to losing a large amount of blood after delivery.

2. Cesarean Section:

Due to a narrow pelvis and incomplete growth of reproductive organs, the risk of requiring a cesarean section increases, which can be dangerous for a girl of this age due to difficulty recovering and potential complications.

3. Uterine or Birth Canal Ruptures:

Tearing of the uterus or vagina may occur during childbirth due to the incomplete growth of the reproductive organs of the underage mother.

4. Anemia and Malnutrition:

Lack of nutrition or unawareness of proper nutrition during pregnancy increases the risk of:

Miscarriage.
Premature birth.
Poor healthy growth of the fetus.

5. Psychological Disorders:

Pregnancy at a young age often leads to severe emotional and psychological stress, such as:

Anxiety.
Depression.
Feelings of helplessness.
Taking on the responsibility of motherhood before reaching emotional and mental maturity.

Second: Health Impacts on the Newborn Child

1. Premature Birth:

Children born to underage mothers are often premature, which exposes them to several health problems such as:

Breathing issues.
Weak immune system.
Disorders in physical and mental development.

2. Low Birth Weight:

Children born to young mothers often have low birth weight, increasing their likelihood of suffering from illnesses and poor physical growth.

3. Congenital Malformations:

Failure of the young mother to maintain proper nutrition or receive adequate prenatal care can lead to:

Congenital deformities.
Problems in physical or mental growth.
Organ function disorders.

4. Long-Term Health Problems:

Children born to underage mothers are more likely to suffer from long-term health issues such as:

Respiratory illnesses.
Weak immune system.
Chronic diseases related to malnutrition or premature birth.

5. Increased Risk of Mortality:

Studies and statistics indicate that children born to underage mothers have a higher likelihood of dying during early childhood compared to children of adult mothers.

Third: Psychological Impacts on the Newborn Child

1. Lack of Care and Attention:

Underage mothers are often not psychologically or emotionally prepared to provide adequate care for the child, negatively affecting their mental health and emotional development.

2. Parenting Problems:

Lack of experience and insufficient family support leads to difficulties in raising the child and properly providing for their emotional and social needs.

3. Feelings of Instability:

Being born to a young mother may cause the child to feel emotionally unstable due to the unstable environment they live in.

The Role of Organizations in Combating Child Marriage

UNICEF’s Role in Protecting Children's Rights

UNICEF recognizes that addressing the issue of child marriage requires understanding the various factors contributing to the persistence of this practice. The roots of this phenomenon differ across countries and cultures, but they often stem from reasons such as:

Poverty: Some families are forced to marry off their daughters early to reduce economic burdens or gain financial income.
Lack of Educational Opportunities: Inadequate or unsuitable education increases the likelihood of girls being married off at a young age.
Lack of Healthcare Services: The absence of adequate health services leads to a lack of awareness of the dangers of early marriage.
Cultural and Social Beliefs: Some parents believe that marrying their daughters off early can secure their future and protect them from harm.

UNICEF’s Efforts to Address the Issue:

Collaboration with Multiple Entities:
UNICEF works with a wide range of stakeholders, from community organizations to policymakers, to address factors that threaten reproductive health, human rights, and gender equality.
Launching the Global Program to End Child Marriage:
- Launched in collaboration with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) in 2016.
- The program aimed to empower adolescent girls who are at risk of early marriage or who have already been married.
- During the first phase of the program (2016-2019), over 7.9 million adolescent girls were reached, providing them with life skills training and support to continue their education.

United Nations Human Rights Council

The Human Rights Council considers that discriminatory cultural practices, based on traditional views about women's roles and sexuality, are among the main causes of child marriage and forced marriage. Other contributing factors include:

Fear of Premarital Relationships: Some parents see early marriage as a way to prevent unwanted relationships that may bring shame to the family.
Poverty and Insecurity: Early marriage is sometimes seen as a means to ensure safety or economic stability for girls and women.

Council Policies and Plans to Address the Problem:

Establishing a National Legal Framework:
- Aligning national laws with international human rights standards, including setting the age of maturity and the legal age for marriage, and prohibiting forced marriage.
- Ensuring the registration of births and marriages to facilitate documentation and monitoring.
Enhancing Educational Opportunities:
- Providing high-quality education for girls, especially those forced to drop out of school due to marriage or childbirth.
- Offering economic support and incentives for girls to enroll in schools and pursue higher education, contributing to delaying marriage.
Promoting Information Sharing:
- Creating networks that allow girls to exchange information about child marriage and early and forced marriage, using modern technology to raise awareness.
Providing Financial Resources and Necessary Support:
- Allocating sufficient funding for comprehensive programs aimed at combating child marriage, early marriage, and forced marriage.

Addressing Child Marriage (Combating and Reducing the Phenomenon)

There is no direct medical treatment for the phenomenon of child marriage, but solutions focus on prevention, awareness, and providing support for affected girls. These solutions involve social, legal, educational, and medical interventions.

First: Legal and Legislative Solutions

Amending Laws to Raise the Marriage Age:
- Setting the minimum marriage age at eighteen years or older for both males and females, with penalties for violators.
- Abolishing legal exceptions that allow marriage below the legal age in certain cases or with parental consent.
Strengthening Penalties for Violators:
- Imposing financial and criminal penalties on parents or spouses who engage in child marriage.
- Prosecuting anyone found guilty of falsifying girls’ ages or concluding illegal marriage contracts.
Official Registration of All Marriages:
- Ensuring that all marriage contracts are officially registered to enforce laws and provide legal protection for girls.

Second: Educational and Awareness Solutions

Raising Community Awareness:
- Launching awareness campaigns about the dangers of child marriage through various media channels such as television, radio, social media, schools, and seminars.
- Engaging religious and community leaders to spread awareness about the harms of child marriage.
Mandatory Education:
- Making education compulsory until a certain age (such as eighteen) and preventing girls from dropping out of school.
- Providing financial and educational support to poor families facing difficulty keeping their daughters in school.
Girls’ Empowerment Programs:
- Offering educational and vocational programs that help girls achieve economic and intellectual independence.
- Supporting higher education and vocational training to increase their employment opportunities and improve their living conditions.

Third: Health and Medical Solutions

Providing Healthcare for Married Girls:
- Offering comprehensive healthcare support for girls married at a young age, especially during pregnancy and childbirth.
- Providing family planning services and medical advice to prevent unplanned early pregnancies.
Psychological Support:
- Offering psychological therapy sessions for girls married at a young age to help them cope with emotional and psychological pressures.
- Providing counseling services to enhance self-confidence and improve mental health.
Reproductive Health Awareness:
- Raising awareness of the importance of reproductive health and using protective measures to prevent unplanned pregnancies.
- Providing information about sexually transmitted diseases and how to prevent them.

Fourth: Social and Economic Solutions

Providing Financial Support for Poor Families:
- Offering financial aid or small projects for families that rely on child marriage to improve their economic status.
- Providing financial incentives for families that keep their daughters in school until adulthood.
Economic Empowerment of Women:
- Creating employment opportunities for girls and young women to support their financial independence.
- Providing micro-loans or financial support to start small businesses to achieve economic independence.

Fifth: Cultural and Religious Solutions

Involving Religious and Community Leaders:
- Enhancing the role of religious figures and community leaders in spreading awareness about the harms of child marriage.
- Clarifying that early marriage does not always align with religious or ethical values.
Changing Negative Norms and Traditions:
- Challenging misconceptions related to child marriage, such as associating it with honor or improving financial status.
- Encouraging families to invest in educating girls instead of marrying them off at a young age.

Sixth: Continuous Monitoring and Evaluation

Collecting Data and Statistics:
- Monitoring child marriage rates and analyzing the factors contributing to the persistence of this phenomenon.
Improving Programs and Services Provided:
- Developing new programs based on modern studies and statistics to ensure their effectiveness in reducing child marriage.

Specialties Suitable for Treating the Effects of Child Marriage

The appropriate specialty depends on the type of problem or harm the girl is experiencing.

Health-related Issues:

Gynecologist: To monitor pregnancy and treat complications related to early pregnancy or childbirth.
Pediatrician: To monitor the health of the newborn and provide appropriate care.
Nutritionist: If the girl suffers from malnutrition or anemia due to early pregnancy.

Psychological Issues:

Psychiatrist: To diagnose and treat depression, anxiety, PTSD, and other psychological issues resulting from early marriage.
Psychologist: To provide psychological therapy sessions and emotional support to improve mental health.

Social and Educational Issues:

Social Worker: To provide social support and guide girls toward educational or vocational empowerment programs.
Educational Specialist: To offer appropriate educational programs or counseling on how to continue education.