Malaysia has become a sought-after destination in the region for its high success rate in achieving pregnancy in middle-aged women. If only the same could be celebrated when it comes to policies to help women safeguard their sexual and reproductive health rights.
Reforms to Malaysia’s political system could be key to tackling reproductive health issues. Policies that affect reproductive rights are often driven by political priorities, rather than health needs. But issues of abortion, contraception, and lethal pregnancies seem to be more important to female legislators, who represent a small minority in the Malaysian parliament. Elevating more Malaysian women to positions of power could make a difference for all.
Reproductive health and sex education remain taboo in Malaysia where religious conservatism remains high among the mostly Muslim population. Teenagers are told to diligently practice abstinence. However, in the five years between 2017 and 2022, more than 40,000 teen pregnancies were recorded with 35 percent of cases being out of wedlock. In Malaysia, there are legal loopholes to allow child marriages, which may lead to many teen pregnancies. Cultural norms suggest some parents believe marriage is the best method to shield their pregnant daughter from embarrassment.
