When the strip on the pregnancy test turned pink, 23-year-old Mustafa asked his girlfriend to marry him. Not because he wanted to, but because he believed it was the right thing to do.
She said no.
Aminath, who was 19, replied she was too young to have a child. And so, he told her he would “fix it”.
A few days later, Mustafa learned of a man who charged Rf2,000 (US$155) to perform an abortion. Reassured by two friends who had used him, he set up an appointment in Male’.
“The man gave her three injections and said that within one to four hours, she would start to bleed and it would be very painful and it would be like giving birth,” says Mustafa, his frail voice quivering.
“At this point I was having serious doubts about this guy. He wasn’t a doctor… he was boasting about his abortion activities and the number of girls he had done this to. He said at one point it was almost one every night. The way he said it was without a trace of compassion.”
Mustafa’s description of what followed is harrowing: Aminath was carried back and forth to the toilet, she threw up twice and was writhing in agony. Four hours later, she began to bleed.
As a Muslim country, abortion is illegal in the Maldives except to save a mother’s life, or if a child suffers from a congenital defect such as thalassemia. But anecdotal evidence points overwhelmingly to a high rate of abortion.
“I can count seven of my friends, three girls and four boys. The story was the same,” says Mustafa.
Statistical vacuum
There is scant information available on abortion in the Maldives. No research on the subject has ever been commissioned. But, says Fathimath, 40, a social researcher on youth and women, other statistics indicated that abortion was prevalent.
She points to the discrepancy between the decline in the fertility rate and the low rate of contraceptive use – an estimated 39 per cent – which raised important questions that remained unanswered.
Halfway through the conversation, Fathimath says she herself has terminated two pregnancies. The first time she was 20 and a newlywed. She had been given the opportunity to study in the UK and felt her pregnancy was ill-timed. Her second abortion was more recent: her husband had been cheating on her when she found out she was pregnant.
“At that time, I wasn’t emotionally capable of having a child,” says Fathimath, who had both of her abortions abroad.
The only tidbit of official information that exists comes from the Reproductive Health Survey conducted in 2004. The survey found that despite the absence of reliable data, it was likely that unsafe abortions could be a cause for concern. Three years later, an unofficial report by the International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF) reached a similar conclusion.
Interviews with four demographically-diverse focus groups revealed that induced abortions were common among women and girls in Male’ with most ostensibly taking place in unsafe circumstances.
But, the IPPF never obtained government permission to carry out the study and because of the qualitative nature of its research, its findings were never acknowledged or made public, says Fathimath.
The report found that the stigma of having a child out of wedlock compels women and girls to opt for abortions. Two focus groups of unmarried boys and girls asserted that abortion was widespread. Some said they knew of girls as young as 12 who had undergone abortions and each knew at least one person who had terminated a pregnancy.
The discussions further revealed that while abortion was more common among unmarried youth, it was still widespread among married couples. Even within marriage, an optimal family size, economic hardship, infidelity, domestic violence, contraceptive failures and unexpected pregnancy in older women were factors that contributed to the decision.
In one interview, the IPPF spoke to a 37-year-old woman from a poor socio-economic background whose husband suggested she have an abortion. He procured and administered the injections but soon after, the woman fell sick and began to bleed profusely. She consulted a doctor and discovered the baby was still alive; she had to travel to India for a safe abortion.
Honour killings
For those who can afford it, travelling to India or Sri Lanka is an option. But in neighbouring Sri Lanka, where abortion is illegal, the operation is performed by unskilled individuals in unhygienic settings.
One unmarried woman interviewed by the IPPF travelled to an abortion clinic in Sri Lanka when she was 31.
She said she remembered hearing the sound of women crying and the stench of blood. The abortion was carried out on a soiled bed and she was not anaesthetised.
“I felt like a piece of meat; I couldn’t help crying throughout [the process],” she said. Once the abortion was over, she was ordered out of the room despite not being able to physically move.
For those like Mustafa who cannot pay to go abroad, the alternatives are bleak. Abortion-inducing pills and injections administered by amateur abortionists are one recourse while others turn to harmful vaginal preparations, containing chemicals such as bleach or kerosene. Although infrequent, some insert objects into their uterus or induce abdominal trauma.
“It’s difficult to name names but I know prominent women who have had multiple abortions,” says Aishath Velazinee, a well-known campaigner for human rights.
“If a daughter gets pregnant, parents would rather have an abortion,” she says, referring to the shame of pregnancy outside of marriage. “I think it’s appropriate to call these abortions honour killings.”
Taboo
Using the information gleaned from the focus groups, IPPF concluded that widespread premarital and extramarital sex, high rates of divorce and remarriage (including sex between marriages), and poor access and practice of contraception could lead to a high number of unwanted pregnancies.
All four groups said that despite being illegal, sex outside of marriage was commonplace, especially among young people. Nor was it uncommon for married men to have affairs with unmarried girls.
But disturbingly, the focus groups said that couples preferred not to use contraception. Among the reasons offered included a reluctance to use condoms.
For some, the IPPF discovered, having an abortion was itself a form of contraception. One girl said: “When abortions can be obtained without much difficulty, young people do not want to use contraceptives as those take away the pleasure.”
Under the form of sharia law practiced in the Maldives, both sex before marriage and adultery are offences punishable by flogging. But attitudes towards sex reveal a discrepancy. While it is acknowledged in private that both take place, social norms and cultural attitudes restrict public discussions on the subject. As a result, students are not taught about contraception at school as for many this would be tantamount to condoning sex outside of marriage.
Government policy
Nazeera Najeeb, head of the population division in the health ministry, stressed that it was difficult to grasp the extent of the problem in the absence of official statistics.
“Without that it’s difficult to say exactly what’s happening,” she says.
The health ministry has plans to conduct research into abortion in the Maldives and educate the public about the health risks involved, she says.
“We are trying to create awareness on the disadvantages. At present we are trying to develop some mass media programmes.”
The list of potential health complications associated with unsafe abortion rolled off by Nazeera makes for grim reading: reproductive health infections, infertility, septicaemia, shock and even death.
While students could not be taught about contraception at school, they could be alerted to the dangers of unsafe abortion, she said. In addition, the health ministry could redouble its efforts to promote contraception among married couples.
For Velazinee, however, as long as the government continues to shy away from the sensitive issues that surround abortion, couples will continue to find themselves in the same quandary.
As with the drug epidemic, only government policies that addressed the real picture would help break the taboo, and thus, move the country towards finding a solution, she says. Until a shift in policy-making occurred, she adds, society will continue to be marked by a dualism: a public facade that does not reflect the private sphere.
“We gear policy to the normative standards of being a 100 per cent Muslim country rather than the reality. The government doesn’t want to publicise the availability of contraception for fear the move will be misinterpreted. They don’t want to acknowledge these issues, but the reality is that these things happen.”
The names of all those who have spoken about their personal experiences involving abortion have been changed.
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yes abortion is used as a method of contraception in Maldives. Funny thing is even married people for various reasons don't use contraception and continue this whole abortion saga. Its high time this was acknowledged and contraception is promoted, there are so many kinds available now.
But no, contraceptives and birth control will never be promoted, as according to the so-called cultural masters of Maldives, such things will lead to "immoral behavior."
Exhibit#1
http://drmauroof.blogspot.com/2009/08/spare-our-children-from-this-nonsense.html
Hardly surprising news when one contemplates our sexually-repressed culture. If only the statistics were more concrete rather than based on arbitrary references.
In all civilized nations, sex ed and safe use of contraceptives are taught, especially to young people, because regardless of the taboo status of extra-marital sex, they will keep on indulging themselves. Authorities can only remedy the consequences by dispelling both information and means of overcoming unwanted pregnancies and STDIs.
Its good to know that the Health Ministry have plans in the pipeline but right before I left the country, around August last year, I went to rally in which a bunch of zealots were expressing their contempt for a condom ad.
Its a sad reality that the Ministry has to first overcome this kind of social opposition to vital public education efforts.
Great that someone starts writing about this topic in the Maldives! I am sure that the stories are true and abortions are going on. Would also suggest more awareness - after all there are not only condoms as means of contraception, but more convenient ways to prevent pregnancy. The high rate of young couples getting married (and also divorced) definitely results from either the wish to have "legal" sex or pregnancy itself.
A professional abortion even at a late stage (up to 12 weeks), by the way, without promoting it (!), is done under full anesthesia and absolutely pain free.
The Government is at the mercy of the conservative religious community. People should be made aware of the implications of sexual relationships. Everyone under the age of 18 should be banned from having sex, but regardless of this we need to start implementing sexual education classes in our schools.
Unfortunately, no government is going to have the courage to make this move in the near future. If the conservatives continue to gain sway, these kinds of women and youth issues will be exacerbated and will continue unchecked.
Family planning, reproductive health and adolescent sexual health issues are areas where the country benefited greatly from the involvement of the Gayoom family at many levels during the previous presidency - grassroots, professional as well as religious. I for one would like to see them continue the good work in this area, especially in light of the rise in religious conservatism and women's issues.
Salim Waheed, why do you want introduce sex education to schools. Do you want same teen age pregnancies like USA in Maldivian schools as well or do you think sex can be learned from school only? Open your eye and see the two largest population of globe, India and China both countries have unique cultures. They dont teach sex in schools yet its a proof they know sex better than any other country , look at their populations. Dont try to invent something which you already have. Get us some new idea, dont make us fools to believe everything what Americans are doing is the right way or the high way.
Illegal abortion like other criminal activities are the result of poor law enforcement by the so called law enforcement authorities.This country needs an effective and professional law enforcement body before this country becomes another Somalai. Every day we hear about the news of horrendous crimes from the news but sad tell that Maldives police service can not investigate the criminal activities of this society. In any society, illegal and anti social activities are common problems that is quite difficult to curb when the top society or the ruling society lacks political and moral will for that matter.
A couple of points to be made here
As far as I know our religion is not shy when laying edicts on sex. There are references to rules on relationships, sex [even how babies are formed]and social responsibility in our Holy Quran. And as far as i know there is nothing preventing anybody of any age even a 5 year old from reading and understanding the Holy Quran. It is time for the mullahs to engage and cooperate with the educational and health establishments.
Another clarification i want to make is that education lead to people making informed choices. Sex education is a must. it can also prevent the child from sex abuse. but it must be deliverd by validated methods
I see Islam as a strength to strengthen our society.Islam is not Victorian puritanical. it is explicit. transparent.
Any abortion of little or big people is murder, only shariya can authorize any lawful taking of life that's the law of the almighty.
When doctors here are against promoting contraceptives, i dont know what else to say.
Ekaloa, for the record, both India and China have good sex education components in their curriculum. In fact, the Chinese government have in the past shown an almost obsessive interest in people's sexual behaviour. Sexuality even copulation between married couples was at times seen as the business of the states.
Dear Ekaloa,
Let me see if I have your points straight:
1) Teen Pregnancies in the USA results from Sex Education
2) India and China know the most about sex because they are the two largest populations.
3) And you think I'm advocating everything that exists in the US.
Pregnancies increase as a result of people not knowing about sex. I think there should be a law banning sexual relationships between anyone under the age of 18. However, in order of people to make informed decisions, as boys and girls reach puberty, they must be given Sex Education Classes. Being aware does not increase sex. It decreases it. SexEd is proven to reduce sexual activity and increase safe sex practices for those who do violate the law. We're talking about doing what's right for our people.
The US teaches abstention in many places as the only method of contraception. I am NOT in favor of this. A SexEd program has to be comprehensive and effective. Sexual activity is extremely high in teenagers in Maldives, regardless of the fact that we live in a sexually repressive society. But the fact remains that the same way these Fundamentalist Christians in the US oppose real SexEd classes, our own home grown fundamentalists will oppose SexEd in Maldives. Our problem is that in Maldives, they have a lot more power and a lot more sway.
PS - I'm not addressing point 2, because it is too ignorant to comment on.
Maldivians seem to like to live in a state of denial, even as they see their society crumbling down around them.
I have personally never lived in Maldives for more than 3 months at a time, and yet even I have come across several acquaintances of mine - teenagers, 15 year olds, etc. who have had abortions.
The stories are similar and scary - of mysterious 'uncles' on neighboring islands who carry out abortions in absolutely unhygienic conditions.
Yet, our conservative friends seem to insist that any modern effort to educate young men and women about safe sex, contraception, STDs, and the health risks associated with pregnancy and abortion are only going to PROMOTE what they call 'immoral' behaviour.
It's the lack of awareness of sexual sciences that cause young people to experiment and get into trouble.
It's pathetic that these kids can't get a modern sexual education because of the influence of Mullahs who can't tell the difference between a sex education class and a sexual orgy.
(Refer to the previously mentioned Adhalath politician Mauroof Hussains blog)
Also note that, every time Minivan or any individual actually BRINGS up these very real and very serious issues, the conservative critics have a knee jerk reaction of shooting the messenger.
They stubbornly refuse to see the elephant in the room, choosing instead to delude themselves that it's all a conspiracy against them and "Islam".
Glad to see an article about this issue. I agree we need to incorporate sex-ed in the school curriculam and also advocate the use of contraceptives. For all those who are anti abortion: Keep being anti-abortion, don't abort! But those of us who believe in choice, let us have the option. MY BODY, MY LIFE, MY CHOICE. Religious fundamentalists tend to be the biggest hypocrits ever. They wish death upon anyone who don't believe in what they believe and yet call themselves pro-life! Give me a break!
Also, abortion is not just a women's issue. It's a societal problem. Sure we are the one's wo get pregnant but by calling it simply a women's issue we further condone the action of men who runaway from the responsibilities of fatherhood.
i don't believe they are shy!!, if they are shy the very thought of having sex before the marriage would not come to their free to do anything mind!! and also they should get the punishment for killing an innocent child, now this article is encouraging people to get their freedom of abortion .. what else would come in this already sick society? i don't think there's any father or mother in this country who wants his or her daughter to have sex 20 or 40 people before the marriage and eventually end up pregnant after that abortion ? we need to prevent these acts not to encourage .. for some i maybe a fool but we know prevention is better than the cure ..
I don't understand,this article at all as usually Minivan news seems to have an agenda to exploit things in away they need to promote something. Abortion prostitution and sex tarde are the oldest form of business every where in the world for centuries, like wise in Maldives also its a known fact, I don't know how this became untold story for many who are in favor of this article here.
The problem is some people here trying to prove these things are happening just because we don't have some kind of secular beliefs. Well Saalim is thinking if we teach sex in schools this can be controlled.
But I think if you open Thauleemu Dhiyaanaa" which is not very big book and if you read and follow that simple book also you can avoid all these things. That book also clearly teaches you" khithaanu kureema zakarun faalhuvaa hisaabu farujakah vehdhun" is adultery (ziney) of unmarried people. So its so simple if you think Ziney is forbidden in Islam you don't need to teach further sex in schools.
From this article I get the impression that the deed itself is not wrong but method utilized to conduct it is what is wrong... tsk tsk
Abortion is common and often sponsored by a rich guy to his concubines, who usually travels to India or Sri Lanka to do it.
In fact the Thursday afternoon flight to Colombo is nicknamed the 'bandu dhonna flight' or the abortion flight
Mariyam Omidi at it again !!! Would she ever cease?
I thought we drove off the British in 1965. Lo and behold ! they send their pawns to spread their cult!
Dear 'freedom for abortion' who said "we need to prevent these acts not to encourage"
How exactly do you 'prevent' these acts by pretending they don't happen?
Sex-education is NOT promoting sex. It is promoting scientific, factual information about sex, STDs, pregnancy, contraception and their effects so that curious teenagers have a clear picture of it in the proper context.
In the absence of such information, children obtain all their "knowledge" from totally inappropriate music videos and pornographic content on the web.
Hiding the facts of life from teenagers isn't going to stop them.
At the time of adolescence, teenagers undergo massive physical and psychological transformations. It's crucial that they get the necessary scientific explanations at this age.
Any religious 'scholar' who claims otherwise is simply another dinosaur who missed the bus.
@Yaseen: Your site has been BWRaeped to Soviet Russia. If this imagined British "cult" of yours promotes knowledge, a cure for social mores and a way for Maldives to leave the third world, I will gladly support them.
Because your cult of the Mullah seems to be intent on turning it into Somalia.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/8305217.stm
simply banning something doesnt help!!!
everyone knows maldivians are sexually active from the teenage years. only thing need to be done is help them make an informed choice.
to all unmarried gals reading this article. Sex before marriage is so not worth it. We think our partners n bfs cares about us but no, if they really did, they would not put us through the shame n pain. Condoms and birth control pills are not 100% reliable. So dont do it.
to all men out there screwin up innocent gals, wht the ...? think of your own sisters when you do it. if u are such perverts, start fasting n rmbring allah instead of ur sick fantasies!
there is no need of any programme..what need is to teach islam.. not sex education. TEACH US ISLAM and its WAYS. its the only way to solve the problem
yameen, with all those stupid psychology thing has made this world a living hell, when somebody kills and innocent now it's said that he's having a mental problem, look at the Italian prime ministers case, to get away with inhuman crimes, you guys came up with psychological problems and drug sickness, each and everyone in this country is now with some sickness .. and they go on robbing people because they are sick people .. this is the real psychological problems we face in this country .. please wake up from your dream yameen,
It's appalling to see the number of comments still trying to ignore/deny this very real issue in our society. Maldivian youngsters are highly active sexually.
As for 'ziney', not just the youngsters, but everyone knows what that is, and the possible consequences in religion and law. Has it ever stopped a lot of people from having sex outside marriage? NO.
It's time that sex education is introduced in the educational curriculum. It's also time to find alternative means to stop women from resorting to such risky means of saving 'honour'.
Grow up, people, and open your eyes. Every time someone addresses a issue that is common in the Maldives and yet taboo by Mullah laws, does not mean that they are being anti-islamic. Stop turning a shut-eye to the reality.
The thing is that for the fundamentalists, teenage sex is in no way a problem, as in the ideal world, they could marry a child. The good thing with it is after having a child at age 12 (and 13, 14 and 15), the poor girl will not think too much about any type of gender equality. Not having had an education of their own, it is clear that they will not wish it for their kids either, which is cheaper. That will leave the men with another three wives to go, so all the better. But this is the ideal world...
In the real world of course, the girl does not necessarily marry or divorce soon occurs. The child, sadly, is very soon unwanted and rejected, not taken care of and will come and grow the ranks of those creating mischief around town, which by the way is already over-populated.
At least, we have some responsible imams, who do it among themselves and leave the girls have a decent life if they wish to...
@ahren
Last time i checked Islam is being thought in schools. It is one of the compulsory subject a student has to pass before they can graduate to next level. So their is at least 10 years of Islamic education being given to every child. So clearly teaching Islam is not having any effect whats so ever on social issues.
When ever any issues crop up the funder mentalists knee jerk reaction is "zmog!!! sex!!! must ban it!! must impose my moral authority on every one rather than tackle the issues". such a sad world.
And for those who are arguing against sex education. Look at the statistics between US and Europe on Teenage pregnancies. In US especially most southern states where funder mentalist Christians impose only abstinence only sex education has far higher rate of teenage pregnancies than Europe where comprehensive sex education is being thought.
We also need to promote sex education not only to prevent unwanted pregnancies . The will full ignorance that has been created (mostly due to taboo of talking about sex) is a festering recipe for disaster. We are at a brink of std pandemic as stated by Ministry of health recently. Sex education need to be thought so that people engaging in these activity are aware of risk they are putting them selfs into.
Abstinence as most of you are promoting has never worked never will. Teaching more religion in schools and imposing moral will not stop it or even slow it down. This has been proven time and again. Read the following studies then i dare you to say that sex education is not the answer.
Klein JD & Committee on Adolescence. Adolescent pregnancy: current trends and issues. Pediatrics 2005; 116(1):281-286.
2 Weinstock H et al. Sexually transmitted diseases among American youth: incidence and prevalence estimates, 2000. Perspectives on Reproductive & Sexual Health 2004; 36(1):6-10.
3 Mosher WD et al. Sexual behavior and selected health measures: men and women, 15-44 years of age, United States, 2002. Advance Data 2005; #362:1-56.
4 Kirby D. Emerging Answers: Research Findings on Programs to Reduce Teen Pregnancy. Washington, DC: National Campaign to Prevent Teen Pregnancy, 2001.
5 Kirby D et al. Impact of Sex and HIV Education Programs on Sexual Behaviors of Youth in Developing and Developed Countries. [Youth Research Working Paper, No. 2] Research Triangle
Park, NC: Family Health International, 2005.
6 Alford S. Science and Success: Sex Education and Other Programs that Work to Prevent Teen Pregnancy, HIV & Sexually Transmitted Infections. Washington, DC: Advocates for Youth,
2003.
7 Alford S. Science and Success: Programs that Work to Prevent Teen Pregnancy, HIV & Sexually Transmitted Infections. [vol. 3] Washington, DC: Advocates for Youth [in press].
8 Santelli J et al. Abstinence and abstinence-only education: a review of U.S. policies and programs. Journal of Adolescent Health 2006; 38(1):72-81.
9 Hauser D. Five Years of Abstinence-Only-Until-Marriage Education: Assessing the Impact [Title V State Evaluations] Washington, DC: Advocates for Youth, 2004.
10 Committee on HIV Prevention Strategies in the United States, Institute of Medicine. No Time to Lose: Getting More from HIV Prevention. Washington, DC: National Academy Press, 2000.
11 Society for Adolescent Medicine. Abstinence-only education policies and programs: a position paper of the Society for Adolescent Medicine. Journal of Adolescent Health 2006; 38(1):83-87.
12 SIECUS. SIECUS State Profiles: a Portrait of Sexuality Education and Abstinence-Only-Until-Marriage Programs in the States. New York: Author, 2004.
13 American Foundation for AIDS Research. Assessing the Efficacy of Abstinence-Only Programs for HIV Prevention among Young People. [Author Issue Brief, no. 2] Washington, DC: 2005.
14 UNAIDS. Impact of HIV and Sexual Health Education on the Sexual Behaviour of Young People: a Review Update. Geneva, Switzerland: UNAIDS, 1997.
15 Baldo M et al. Does Sex Education Lead to Earlier or Increased Sexual Activity in Youth? Ninth International Conference on AIDS, Berlin, 1993. Geneva, Switzerland: World Health
Organization, 1993.
16 Martin JA et al. Births: final data for 2003. National Vital Statistics Reports 2005; 54(2):1-116.
17 Hamilton BE et al. Births: preliminary data for 2004. National Vital Statistics Reports 2005; 54(8):1-16.
18 Darroch JE, Singh S. Why Is Teenage Pregnancy Declining? The Roles of Abstinence, Sexual Activity, and Contraceptive Use New York: Alan Guttmacher Institute, 1999.
19 National Campaign to Prevent Teen Pregnancy. Halfway There: a Prescription for Continued Progress in Preventing Teen Pregnancy. Washington, DC: Author, 2001.
20 Brückner H, Bearman P. After the promise: the STD consequences of adolescent virginity pledges. Journal of Adolescent Health 2005; 36:271-278.
21 Bearman PS, Brückner H. Promising the future: virginity pledges and first intercourse. American Journal of Sociology 2001; 106(4):859-912.
22 Feijoo AN, Grayton C. Trends in Sexual Risk Behaviors among High School Students United States, 1991 to 1997 and 1999 to 2003. [The Facts] Washington, DC: Advocates for Youth, 2004.
23 Special Investigations Division, US House of Representatives, Committee on Government Reform The Content of Federally Funded Abstinence-Only Education Programs. Washington, DC:
Author, 2004.
24 ______. Report of the Council on Scientific Affairs [Action of the AMA House of Delegates, CSA Report 7-I-99] Chicago, IL: American Medical Association, 1999.
25 Boonstra H. Legislators craft alternative vision of sex education to counter abstinence-only drive. The Guttmacher Report on Public Policy 2002; #2:1-3.
26 Hickman-Brown Public Opinion Research. Public Support for Sexuality Education Reaches Highest Levels. Washington, DC: Advocates for Youth, 1999.
27 National Public Radio et al. Sex Education in America: NPR/Kaiser/Kennedy School Poll. Menlo Park, CA: Kaiser, 2004.
Wherever there is a society, the problems of a society will start, whether western or Asian or whatever - and we got everything here in the Maldives: adultery, fornication, discrimination of homosexuals, theft, murder... the list is long. Religion won't help us out of that. It may set guidelines, but what did it help so far? Nothing.
Education is what we badly need.
Listen to the testimony of an American female doctor who worked in an Arab country, and saw the state of her own country, and realized what was wrong with the spread of “sex education” among male and female students in schools. She says:
"If your women in the east do not know some of the secrets of sex that are known by American girls, I would say – with a clear conscience – that it is better for you to remain ignorant than to enjoy this knowledge. We have given our girls lessons so that they will know about sex in detail, but soon one of them will leave the lecture hall, looking for the nearest boy, to practise with him the sexual theories carelessly, as if she is taking part in a play or playing a game. The natural result of that is an increase in fooling about and promiscuity"
Western societies have become the worst disgrace in human history, with perverted and deviant behaviour and corruption of human nature. “Sexual madness” has become the preoccupation of all classes of society, and not even their children in their homes or schools are safe from them. Conferences are being held and resolutions are being passed about the “necessity” of spreading “sex education” in the schools of those deviant societies. They are not content only to corrupt themselves, but they are also hastening to spread it to the Arab and Muslim countries so that they will follow in their footsteps of temptation and perversion, so some of those who were deceived by them followed them in that, and Allaah saves whomever He wills by His guidance and help.
The one who wants to save himself and his family should not agree to be a part of those societies, or to live among them, and he should refuse to take part in what they are doing of haraam things, evils and perversions.
Once again, this just proves that the wahhabi way is the superior way.
I mean in order to avoid having to deal with abortions - just separate ALL interaction between girls and boys.
Of course this would mean that there might be a slight tendency among the boys and girls towards attraction to the same sex - but then again at least this would cut down unwanted pregnancies...
I think there is no right way to do a wrong.Why dont all who support sex education campaign learn and teach others Islamic way of life.Abortion maybe something that happens in this society But how about programs like 'marriage awareness programme'conducted by family court for those who getting married.
Abortion.. Sex out of marriage.. Its happening all over the country. Not only now. Its been a part of the Maldivian society for many many years. Yet, we still refuse to talk about it.. Accepting something is the first step to correct it. The question is are we ready to do so? Or are we going to keep repeating the same mistakes?
i support sex edcation along with religious values. lets teach our children and youth right and wrong.
education and awareness are the only ways to tackle this problem. when talking about sex out of wedlock, ziney and hadhu, why not start lashing men who participate in such acts? or is it a punishment "only" for women committing the sin?
Apart from abortions think of wanted pregnancies, In a hundred percent muslim country male gynocologist are recruited happily.
There are certain womens who go abroad in order to avoid the male Gynocologist.
Masha-Allah.
Considering about the abortions which are out of country and out of religion but they are inevitable.
Think about them who gets in to trouble
after spending huge amount of money abroad, their storeis are horrible and untold.
There are some untold instances from in side islands where the abrtion is done by unskilled manner and the victim has to suffer rest of her life.
In short who has to take initiation to avoid there mishappenings, and get a solution? Is it Government, Policies,Politicians, Women Organizations, .....................? There must be some solution, afterall today's children are nation's future and the BACKBONES for them are the HEALTHY WOMENS.
I think this is a very important issue here in Maldives, as you have seen many teenagers are seemed openly doing. even if you look at those countries like Sri Lanka which they dont have any stict Islamic society though they still banned doing an abotion unless it is a really bad for mother or the baby and should have a special approval from the Goverment.
Having a muslim culture and being 100% muslim i think we dont have any restirction from the Goverment.
Dear MARINA,
What else u propose to do when educated guys do such things..idiot
when I FIRST CAME TO mALDIVES i WAS GIVEN A FORM IN THE FLIGHT SAYING, MALDIVES IS A MUSLIM COUNTRY AND THE DRESSING IS EXPECTED TO BE MODEST. I WAS THINKING THIS TO BE A GOOD COUNTRY BUT MALDIVES IS ONE OF THE WORST COUNTRY CULTURALLY. PLEASE REMOVE THOSE LINES IN THE FORM WHICH YOU PROVIDE US IN THE FLIGHTS.IN MALDIVES indulging IN ILLEGAL SEX,DRUGS,INFIDELITY IS COST FREE COMPARED TO THAILAND.
Salaam (peace),
I would just like to highlight the islamic perspective on abortion and adultery:
God Almighty says about abortion and adultery in the Qur’an in Chapter 17 Verse 31 and 32:
31 Kill not your children for fear of want: We shall provide sustenance for them as well as for you. Verily the killing of them is a great sin.
32 Nor come nigh to adultery: for it is a shameful (deed) and an evil, opening the road (to other evils).
Translation of the Holy Qur’an to English by Sheikh Abdullah Yusuf Ali www.searchtruth.com
Peace and tc 🙂
I think both extremes have again collided in this issue. those extremes of secularism/psedo-secularism & Extremist fanatical Wahhabi/salafis. We were better off with our traditional Original Islam & our ways. Both these ideologies seek to destroy womanhood. one seeks to enslave her while the other tries to 'commercialise' her. both regard woman as an object of sex & nothin else.maldivian Muslim woman wake up!!!
I respect religion, I strongly believe in god. Never the less, the religion, nor the Quran, or the preaching had controlled illegal pregnancy. The government will be helpless to accommodate its society in bringing about a solution unless we move forward. Our ideology and heritage are what leaves us behind.
How many of you have seen the pain inflicted upon a woman/girl/lady? the long term effects on the body is both physical and mental. Still, what is the reason this goes on? It is time we think out of the box.
65% of early marriages are almost due to young age pregnancy.,the family plays an important role in hiding the truth and makes them marry. the after effects being, the child born, the family divorce,re-marriage. What was the baby's fault? This child becomes what the society today call "the prodigy child"; fed by sympathy, clothed by sarcasm of the society and sheltered most probably by drugs or other insulation.
No matter how we look at it, Maldives has a record of highest divorce and marriage. The government takes step by laws such as an age limit for marriage...has it worked? open your eyes and read the news. "under age marriage in lanka", "under age marriage in india"......the "should be" happiest moments in our life, away from parents and family..
the abortions are done secretly..our children bleed, mind and body breaks, we never know...because our beliefs are always in the box...we love our children, so y don't we stay beside them then? Why don't we let the authorities or government give us the opportunity to take care of us at this time?
The "whatever" organization wants to know what is happening..wants to try and help. but you answer yourselves the reason behind what hasn't been done..and couldn't be done.
Belief's vary,,,mine is quiet different because i was a prodigy child myself.I thank god for this life i have..but I pray to god that if parents (married or unmarried) should have children, it be their own choice and not by mistake. I never want to feel like a mistake...but thanks for the sympathy.
I have a lovely wife..and the most beautiful 2 daughters in the world. I would happily give my life away for 1 tear drop from their eyes. and I will stand by them unlike so many, if the time comes....and as a muslim, pray for the day never to come.Those out there who spend half their life in mosque and lesser time with family would believe I am a mess. But this is what a son feels, This is what i brother feels, this is a father speaking to all out there.
Your decisions change the world of not only yourself, but all around you. Your end is decided by the choices you make.
-X-
Beware, the International Planned Parenthood Federation is a body that promotes abortion around the world, encouraging governments to allow abortion on demand. What is required is a cultural change whereby there is not the pressure for sex, especially outside of marriage and from men. To get to that state, there needs to be an honest discussion about sex and the pressures that come with it, so that there greater respect between the sexes.
“I can count seven of my friends, three girls and four boys. The story was the same,”
didn't know boys could have abortions :S
dont these maldivian idiots know about the emergency contraceptive pill or the condom or the OCpill? why do these unmarried young male and female idiots fornicate if they want the idiot female to get killed during some septic abortion episode??? bloody ignorant dumb fools living in the stoneages....idiot animals should keep giving birth to these bastards and the married fools who dont know contraception should die in shame!!!
Oh this country is a disaster...Oh and for the people saying the solution to this is praying more, etc. Who are you looking up to, Mohamed? The one who was having sex with a 9 year old? Oh great role model.
I'm speechless, in other words shocked for these unstoppable behaviors. how can anybody prefer do such a thing knowing the result would be the same, do NOT mind if you people didn't get what I'm saying here, i rather would like to say some things indirectly. because it is such a shame to spill it out. it's depressing to know that WE Maldivians are like monkeys, more like animals. what are the differences except we live in a home???
and sorry too for the rude explanation.