CBSE Class 10 Science 2017 · Paper 531 · Question 14

Why a minimum age is essential (three reasons): (1) Before this age the body, particularly the reproductive system of a girl, is still developing. Pregnancy and childbirth make major demands on a woman’s body and mind, and an early pregnancy can harm the health of the young mother and of her baby. (2) Sexual maturation is gradual; being sexually mature does not mean that the mind is ready for marriage or for the responsibility of bringing up children. The minimum age gives time to become mentally and emotionally mature. (3) Marrying later gives time to complete education and become economically independent, and it tends to mean fewer children, which helps to check the growth of the population. Three methods for preventing unwanted pregnancy: (1) Mechanical barriers: a condom on the penis, or a similar covering worn in the vagina, stops sperms from reaching the egg. (2) Oral pills, which change the hormonal balance of the body so that eggs are not released. (3) A loop or Copper-T placed in the uterus. Surgical methods (vasectomy, in which the vas deferens is blocked, and tubectomy, in which the fallopian tubes are blocked) are also used.