What is the new Premarital and Marital Counselling Bill in Sindh?

The Sindh government is developing a bill to make premarital counseling mandatory for all couples before marriage registration, covering health, planning, and communication.

Why is Sindh introducing premarital counseling?

The bill aims to address poor maternal health indicators and equip couples with essential knowledge for healthier families and informed decisions.

Where are the pilot projects for Sindh's counseling bill taking place?

Pilot projects for the premarital counseling initiative are currently underway in Karachi South and Tando Allahyar.

Home / Health / Sindh Mandates Marriage Counseling for Healthier Families

Sindh Mandates Marriage Counseling for Healthier Families

9 Dec

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Summary

Counseling will cover family planning and reproductive health.
Bill aims to improve Pakistan's poor maternal health indicators.
Pilot projects are currently underway in Karachi and Tando Allahyar.

Sindh is set to implement a significant public health initiative with the upcoming Premarital and Marital Counselling Bill. This legislation will require couples to undergo mandatory counseling before their marriage can be officially registered. The sessions will impart vital information on family planning, reproductive health, newborn care, and communication within marriage, directly addressing shortcomings that have historically impacted women and families.

The proposed bill builds upon the Sindh Reproductive Healthcare Rights Act, 2019, by translating reproductive health rights into practical pre-marital guidance. By educating couples on crucial topics like birth spacing, contraception, and vaccinations, the government aims to foster healthier family units. Additionally, the counseling will provide a platform for discussing expectations and dispelling myths surrounding genetic risks and gender determination.

Currently, pilot projects are being conducted in Karachi South and Tando Allahyar to test the bill's effectiveness. Successful implementation hinges on proper training, standardized modules, and robust monitoring to ensure counseling empowers rather than judges. This preventive measure is crucial amidst high maternal mortality and mental health challenges, potentially serving as a national model.