On the death of a 12-year-old child bride from Yemen

NEW YORK, 14 September 2009 - "It was with great sadness that we learned of the untimely death of 12-year-old Fawziya Youssef from Yemen. Fawziya was forced into a child marriage with a man at least twice her age. She became pregnant and she and her baby both died after struggling for three days in protracted labor, according to media reports.

“Child marriages violate the rights of children in the most deplorable way. The younger the girl is when she becomes pregnant, the greater the health risks for her and her baby. Girls who give birth before the age of 15 are five times more likely to die in childbirth than women in their 20s.

“Child marriage denies girls of their childhood, deprives them of an education and robs them of their innocence.

“Tragedies like these underscore the urgent need to better protect the rights of women and children, particularly girls. Child marriages are often a result of poverty and ignorance. More must be done to address the underlying causes in order to prevent tragic deaths like those of 12-year-old Fawziya and her baby.”

http://www.unicef.org/media/media_51125.html

:puke: :puke: :puke: :puke: :puke: :puke: :puke: :puke: :puke: :puke: :puke:

What can be done about it though? Anything?

of a complete change in culture - which we are not capable of doing. Women, apparently, are not human in some cultures. Women and children are not property, though a large portion of the world (some of them here in the US) do not believe that fundamental truth.

They don't give c-sections there?

Aside from the fact she was too young to marry, too young to give birth, and her health clearly neglected.

It doesn't suprise me basic things like c sections aren't available.

This article may be of interest, and perhaps provide a faint ray of hope:

http://southasia.oneworld.net/globalheadlines/yemen-may-abolish-child-marriage-soon/

RIP Fawziya

Of course, if the man involved was a famous director, I'd have a completely different opinion. :eyes:

I'm surprised certain people here haven't accused her of being some sort of Lolita. "It was consensual!"

It is disturbing to see how otherwise clear-minded people have gotten clouded on this issue.

Sub-thread removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

:puke: