New legislation aims to improve family planning, women’s health and social communication
Doctor Azra Pechuho. Photo: File
Sindh’s health and local government ministers have unveiled a draft law on premarital and marital counseling, describing it as a “major social reform” designed to transform the way couples prepare for marriage and family life.
Speaking at a joint press conference with Local Government Minister Nasir Hussain Shah, Health Minister Dr Azra Fazal Pechuho said the move goes beyond medical advice and aims to promote informed decision-making, gender awareness and healthier family structures.
Dr Pechuho said the bill would make counseling before marriage registration mandatory, covering family planning, reproductive health, mental wellbeing and effective communication between partners. She stressed that spacing births by 2 to 3 years is essential to reduce high-risk pregnancies and ease financial pressures on new families.
“Many women resort to unsafe abortions simply due to lack of awareness,” she said, adding that structured counseling could help reduce such cases and improve maternal health outcomes. The counseling sessions would also include advice on newborn vaccination, the right to breast-feeding and access to primary health care services.
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: “The sex of a child is determined by the man’s chromosome – women should not be blamed for the birth of a girl.” »
Cautioning against repeated C-sections, Dr Pechuho said the risks increase sharply after three surgeries, stressing the need to raise public awareness. Pilot counseling programs, she added, are already underway in Karachi South and Tando Allahyar, using newly developed training modules.
Shah called this initiative an important step towards strengthening young families. He said the government was committed to passing laws that create long-term social impact and praised the media for its contribution to raising public awareness. He also expressed hope that Sukkur would be included in the next phase.
While highlighting Sindh’s relatively autonomous local government system, he acknowledged persistent urban challenges, particularly chronic water problems in Karachi. He said the chief minister, mayor and local bodies were working to improve essential services and overall living conditions.
