A case of minor pregnancy has surfaced in Vadodara, Gujarat, where a girl, whose official hospital records list her age as 12 years, delivered a baby at the Sir Sayajirao Gaekwad (SSG) Hospital on Sunday afternoon. The incident has brought issues of child marriage and adolescent health into sharp focus.
Hospital Records and Police Investigation
According to sources at the SSG Hospital, the young girl was admitted on Sunday and later gave birth to a baby girl. The newborn had a birth weight of just over 900 grams. Given the mother's poor health condition and her young age, she required immediate medical treatment. Following the mandatory protocol, the hospital authorities promptly informed the local police about the case.
However, the police investigation presented a different narrative regarding the girl's age. Officials stated that the girl appeared older and claimed her parents, who are originally from the Jhabua district of Madhya Pradesh, clarified the discrepancy. The parents allegedly said her age was "randomly mentioned" during the preparation of her identification documents and that she is actually around 16 years old.
The Context of Marriage and Consent
Police revealed that the girl was married to a boy from her native place in Jhabua a couple of years ago. The couple had subsequently moved to Vadodara and were residing in a shanty located in the Manjalpur area. The boy, aged 17, works as a labourer. Law enforcement officials described their relationship as consensual.
A police official involved in the case emphasized that no offence has been registered so far, as no formal complaint has been received. The primary reason cited for not filing a case is the claim that the girl is married. "The girl appears older, so we questioned her parents about her age. They say she is around 16 years old," the official stated.
Broader Implications and Concerns
This incident highlights critical and persistent social issues. Regardless of the exact age debate between 12 and 16, the case points towards the grim reality of child marriage and adolescent pregnancy in certain communities. Early pregnancy carries severe health risks for both the mother and the child, as evidenced by the low birth weight of the newborn in this instance.
The police's stance, based on the marriage claim, also brings legal frameworks under scrutiny. The case raises urgent questions about the enforcement of laws protecting minors and the mechanisms to verify age in such sensitive situations. The well-being of the young mother and her premature child remains a paramount concern for healthcare providers.
