It could be that Muhammad married Aisha when she was still a child (by todays standards) but it could also be that she was an adult (by the standards of the time) The only source really about her age when she married is from Aisha's own testimonial, which she claims she was 9 when they married.

What has this to do with how old a piece of parchment is?

The answer is nothing at all. So let's move on.

child marriages was a tradition in India & probably some of the eastern societies; like arranged marriages still are. Probably it was to extend 'protection' to pubescent girl by her new family rather than 'sex' as the 'groom' would also be just around 12 years or so!! Guess that made teenage pregnancies legit.

Over the last 50 years, under 18 pregnancies are very low and under 16 fairly rare in India and eastern societies. Compare this to ..

oh well, can't win with people whose beliefs rest on Virgins giving birth ..

Although, personally i'm fond of The Man; on this point, you are on a wet wicket, Don.