Document Type : review article

Authors

1 Department of Law, M.a.C, Islamic Azad University, Mashhad, Iran.

2 Department of Otolaryngology, Loghman Educational Hospital, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.

3 Department of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.

4 Clinical Research Development Unit of Akbar Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.

Abstract

The dilemmas of child marriage and children who become parents at a young age are evident to everyone. Due to their destructive effects on both the child and society, they have always been a concern for psychologists, sociologists, lawyers, and members of parliament. The main objective of this research is to examine the phenomenon of child marriage from a medical and international law perspective. In this cross-sectional study, scientific books, materials, and articles published on child marriage and its consequences from a medical and legal perspective were reviewed. By searching reputable national and international websites, all relevant articles (in Persian and English) without time limitation until September 27, 2020, were examined and evaluated. The information, statistics, and articles meeting the inclusion criteria for the study will be presented in a categorized manner from a medical and international law perspective. Factors contributing to this issue include poverty, geographical factors, lack of access to education, gender inequality, conflict, social disasters, lack of access to comprehensive reproductive health services and information, and social norms that reinforce specific gender stereotypes. As long as the underlying factors of child marriage such as poverty, lack of awareness, cultural and ethnic prejudices, and lack of sufficient education for girls exist, this phenomenon will persist despite laws in place prevent it. To end child marriage, challenges such as gender inequality and discrimination, lack of education, and poverty must be addressed. Creating legal frameworks to prohibit child marriage and closing legal loopholes that allow marriage under 18 years old can pave the way for a positive culture in society and protect children's rights.

Keywords