MPs press for drug screening, mental health check as part of premarital tests

TDT | Manama

Email: mail@newsofbahrain.com

A group of Bahraini MPs has proposed expanding mandatory premarital medical examinations to include drug screening and mental health assessments, aiming to address broader social challenges through early intervention.

Current Requirements

Under the existing Law No. 11 of 2004, couples planning to marry must undergo medical checks for hereditary and infectious diseases. The law also mandates counselling by doctors and requires those officiating marriages to verify the completion of these examinations.

Proposed Amendments

The proposed amendment, submitted by MPs Basma Mubarak, Jaleela Al Alawai Al Sayed, Hanan Mohamed Ali Fardan, Hisham Ahmed Asheeri, and Mahmoud Mirza Fardan, seeks to extend the scope of these tests.

In addition to the current requirements, it recommends mental health assessments and screenings for illegal drug use or misuse of prescription medications. It also grants the minister the authority to impose further conditions as deemed necessary.

Rationale Explained

The MPs’ explanatory memorandum argues that assessing the psychological stability of prospective spouses and identifying risks of addiction are crucial for fostering stable families. It highlights the significant impact of addiction on family life, equating its potential harm to that of hereditary or infectious diseases.

“Mental health and addiction risks are fundamental to the success and stability of family life,” the memorandum states, adding that early detection could help prevent long-term social and security issues stemming from family instability.

Building Stronger Families

The MPs emphasise that the proposal is part of a broader strategy to strengthen family structures, creating healthier environments for future generations and contributing to Bahrain’s national development. By addressing challenges before marriage, the lawmakers believe this approach will reduce risks to children and support societal stability.

The proposal is now under review by the Bahraini parliament, where its implications for families, public health, and national development are expected to be closely debated.