Consequences, both positive and negative, of early childhood marriages
What are the consequences, both positive and negative, of early childhood marriages on the physical and psychological well-being of individuals involved?
Sample Answer
Early childhood marriage (ECM) is defined as any marriage or informal union where one or both parties are under the age of 18. It is a violation of human rights and has a number of negative consequences for both the physical and psychological well-being of individuals involved.
Negative consequences
Physical consequences
- High-risk pregnancy and childbirth: Girls who marry young are more likely to become pregnant early, which puts them at increased risk of complications during pregnancy and childbirth. These complications include anemia, preeclampsia, and eclampsia. Girls who marry and become pregnant early are also more likely to have babies who are underweight or premature.