Early marriage is a marriage done before the bride is 18 years old. In addition to having risks in women's health, early marriage also triggers the emergence of sexual violence and human rights abuses.
This is in contrast to the law of the Republic of Indonesia No. 1 year 1974 chapter 6. Where although the men are allowed to marry at the age of 19 years, but the women are allowed to marry at the age of 16 years. Adequate age is said early for a marriage, sexual intercourse, pregnancy, and child care.
One reason for early marriage is to avoid slander. For example, pregnant out of wedlock or to avoid sexual violence. Early marriage can also lead to other cases. Here is why the early marriage should not happen.
In a marriage, it is almost impossible if there is no sexual relationship. While sexual intercourse performed by someone under the age of 18 will tend to have a higher risk of sexually transmitted diseases, such as HIV. This is because her knowledge of safe and healthy sex is still minimal.
Studies show that compared to married women in adulthood, married women under the age of 18 are more likely to experience violence from their partners. Because at this age, coupled with a lack of knowledge, a woman at a young age will be more difficult and powerless to resist sex.
Pregnancy at an early age is not easy and tends to be more risky. Rows of possible risks are not playing games and can be dangerous for both mother and fetus. In the fetus, the possible risks are low weight at birth and the child is born prematurely. As for the mother will be at risk of anemia, a condition in which the mother will feel easily tired and weak. This will affect the condition of fetal development.
Another risk is no less dangerous is the emergence of the problem of preeclampsia. The condition in which the mother has increased protein in the urine and has high blood pressure. Women suffering from preeclampsia will experience swollen feet or hands. And if already exposed to eclampsia, it will harm the fetus and can lead to death.
Not only in terms of health, early marriage can also be said to rob the rights of adolescent women themselves. Where in those days should be met by playing and learning to achieve a better future. However, it is exchanged for the burden of marriage and child care. Some of those who are married early tend to drop out of school, inevitably having to fulfill their responsibilities after marriage.
Marriage is not as simple as imagined. Need maturity both in psychology and physical. That's why early marriage should not happen. In addition to the above health risk risks, the perceived psychological impact can also weigh on the woman.
