Concern Grows Over Prevalence of Minor Mothers in Andhra Pradesh Government Hospital
The Andhra Pradesh State Commission for Protection of Child Rights recently conducted an eye-opening visit to the Old Government General Hospital (GGH) in Vijayawada, where they were met with a startling discovery. During their inspection, the members of the commission, including Chairman Kesali Appa Rao, T. Adi Lakshmi, G. Seetha Ram, and J. Rajendra Prasad, were taken aback to find a significant number of minors among the new mothers in the facility.
As they delved deeper into the situation, it became apparent that some of these young mothers had already given birth to multiple children before reaching the age of 18. The gravity of the issue was further underscored when some of the mothers confessed to being below the legal age of adulthood. This troubling revelation shed light on a concerning trend of child marriages and underage pregnancies in the region.
Startling Discoveries Unveiled During Inspection
During their visit to the Old GGH, the APSCPCR members engaged with mothers in the Mother and Newborn Care Unit (MNCU) to assess their age, health status, and the well-being of their infants. What they encountered was a poignant narrative of young girls grappling with the responsibilities of motherhood at an age where they should be focusing on their education and personal growth.
The stark reality of the situation became evident as doctors in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) shared their observations of minor mothers delivering babies in the hospital. The weight of some infants was notably low, indicating the physiological challenges faced by young mothers who are not yet physically mature enough to bear children. This poignant juxtaposition of youth and motherhood painted a picture of vulnerability and fragility that demanded urgent attention and intervention.
Urgent Call for Action to Combat Child Marriages
In the wake of these distressing revelations, APSCPCR members emphasized the urgent need for collaborative efforts across various sectors to combat the pervasive issue of child marriages in the state. From Anganwadi and ASHA workers to teachers, police, and Women Development and Child Welfare departments, a united front is essential to prevent underage marriages and protect the rights of young girls.
The personal stories shared by some of the minor mothers, who disclosed getting married as early as 15 years old, served as poignant reminders of the systemic challenges that perpetuate this harmful practice. APSCPCR member Rajendra Prasad aptly noted that the young girls giving birth in the hospital were stark indicators of the prevalence of child marriages in the region, calling for immediate action to address this deep-rooted societal issue.
As the commission issued directives to the hospital authorities to provide comprehensive details on admissions, age of mothers, medical procedures, and the implementation of maternal health schemes, the gravity of the situation became even more apparent. The poignant words of a young mother, who revealed that she had been married at the tender age of 16, encapsulated the human toll of child marriages and underage pregnancies.
The visit to the Old GGH not only uncovered the harsh realities faced by minor mothers but also underscored the urgent need for proactive measures to safeguard the rights and well-being of young girls in the state. As stakeholders across various sectors unite to combat the scourge of child marriages, a glimmer of hope emerges amidst the shadows of adversity. The journey towards a future where every girl can embrace her youth without fear of premature motherhood begins with a collective resolve to protect and empower the most vulnerable among us.
