New legislation seeks to improve family planning, women’s health and social communication
Dr. Azra Pechuho. Photo: File
Sindh’s health and local affairs ministers unveiled a proposed premarital and marriage counseling bill, describing it as a ‘major social reform’ designed to change how couples prepare for marriage and family life.
Speaking at a joint press conference with Minister for Local Government, Nasir Hussain Shah, Health Minister Dr. Azra Fazal Pechuho that the move goes beyond medical guidance and aims to promote informed decision-making, gender awareness and healthier family structures.
Dr. Pechuho said the bill would make counseling mandatory before marriage registration covering family planning, reproductive health, mental well-being and effective communication between partners. She emphasized that a birth spacing of 2-3 years is essential to reduce high-risk pregnancies and ease the financial pressure on new families.
“Many women resort to unsafe abortions simply because of lack of awareness,” she said, adding that structured counseling could help reduce such cases and improve maternal health outcomes. Counseling sessions will also include guidance on newborn vaccination, breastfeeding rights and access to primary health care.
The minister raised concerns about cousin marriages, which she said contribute to genetic disorders including congenital heart disease and Down syndrome. She also clarified a common misconception: “A child’s gender is determined by the man’s chromosome – women should not be blamed for the birth of a girl.”
Warning against repeat caesareans, said Dr. Pechuho that the risks increase sharply after three operations, underscoring the need for public awareness. Pilot counseling programmes, she added, are already underway in Karachi South and Tando Allahyar using newly developed training modules.
Shah called the initiative an important step towards strengthening young families. He said the government is committed to laws that create long-term social impact and praised the media for helping build public awareness. He also expressed hope that Sukkur would be included in the next phase.
While highlighting Sindh’s relatively empowered local government system, he acknowledged ongoing urban challenges, particularly Karachi’s chronic water problems. He said the Chief Minister, the Mayor and local bodies were working to improve essential services and overall living conditions.
