The proposal stipulates that individuals intending to marry must undergo comprehensive examinations, including genetic and infectious diseases, mental health assessments, and drug use tests. The Minister of Health is granted the authority to specify additional tests as needed. The law also requires specialized doctors to provide counseling to both parties, and those responsible for officiating the marriage must ensure that all examinations are completed before finalizing the marriage contract.
Mubarak noted that many cases of divorce and family disintegration are due to the absence of such examinations, explaining that early detection of drug use or mental disorders helps in determining the compatibility of the couple.
She highlighted successful regional experiences, such as the medical examination program in Saudi Arabia, which reduced high-risk marriages by 60% over six years. Hence, updating the legal definition of medical examinations enhances the health, psychological, and social protection of Bahraini families.
According to the proposal’s explanatory memorandum, the Bahraini constitution emphasizes the importance of family care and protection, considering it a pillar for building a stable society. It clarified that the concept of public health no longer only pertains to physical diseases but also includes mental health and addiction risks that may negatively affect the couple and their children.
Studies confirm that couples where one partner struggles with drug or alcohol use experience severe stress and communication breakdowns, increasing the likelihood of family issues. This is also reflected globally, as US studies indicate that over 321,000 children lost a parent due to overdoses within just one decade.
