Not prepared to be parents
I REFER to the report “Remand order for couple whose baby girl died” ( The Star, Feb 16) which said that the police obtained a seven-day remand on a couple, both 22, after X-ray revealed that there were bruises all over the body of their one-and-a-half-month-old infant, who also had a fracture on one leg.
One may feel outraged over the suspected abuse but it is time for us to step back and consider the matter from the perspective of sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR).
Firstly, societal norms and expectations limit the options youths have on their sexual and reproductive health (SRH). Among many Malaysian families, the elders expect couples who have had an unintended pregnancy to get married even though they may not be mentally, psychologically, socially or financially ready.
In other words, youths have insufficient space and time to consider their readiness for marriage and bringing up children before they succumb to the wishes of the adults.
Secondly, the absence of Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE) and insistence on using the predominantly abstinence-based policy in educating our younger generation on sexual matters hinder the provision of correct SRHR information to them.
Many adults widely believe that if we talk about sex or contraception with unmarried youths, it would encourage sexual promiscuity among them.
Although evidence have suggested otherwise, not many are ready to accept the fact that CSE delays the age of first sex and prompts youths to consider their rights, responsibilities, and consequences before engaging in a sexual relationships.
Thirdly, there is limited availability, accessibility and acceptability of youth-friendly SRH services for unmarried couples via the public healthcare system in an era when Malaysian youths are becoming sexually active at a younger age.
Policy and health services should be looked into to address the situation.
Additionally, although certain private healthcare clinics and hospitals provide youth-friendly health services for unmarried girls and women, it is not always affordable for those who do not have a source of income.
Fourthly, it is crucial to acknowledge that pregnancy transforms a girl or woman not just physiologically but also psychologically.
The immense pressure after delivery and to support an additional family member makes it hard for most young people to manage, especially in the absence of extended families.
Society may judge the couple based on their actions but it is my earnest hope to shed some light on the plight of other teenage and young mothers out there who have unintended pregnancies.
Let us not ignore the pressure that young parents undergo following an unintended pregnancy, delivery and in bringing up a family.
The focus of child abuse should not be merely on the legal perspective but in advocating for Comprehensive Sexuality Education and youth-friendly sexual and reproductive health services as well so that we can empower our future generations.
JULIANA OOI Seremban