End Child Marriage
Child marriage is a human rights violation. But tragically thousands of girls who've barely entered puberty are still married to men often twice their age or older.
Child brides are often separated from friends and family and never get an education. It also leads to serious health risks: Girls under 15 are five times as likely to die during pregnancy than women in their 20s. Countries with high child marriage rates are often mired in poverty, and the lack of opportunity perpetuates the practice.
A bill passed by the U.S. Senate, and now up for consideration by the U.S. House of Representatives will combat child marriage by educating communities and helping provide alternatives to marriage for millions of girls. It will also require the State Department to include child marriage in its Human Rights Report.
There will be more than 100 million child brides in the next decade is we don't do something now. Urge the House of Representatives to pass the International Protecting Girls by Preventing Child Marriage Act.
Dear [Decision Maker],
I am writing today to urge you to pass the International Protecting Girls by Preventing Child Marriage Act to help end the terrible practice of child marriage worldwide.
Child brides face a lifetime of hardship. Separated from their family and friends at a young age, they often never get the chance to get an education. Worse, many become pregnant and face serious maternal health problems. Girls under 15 are five times as likely to die during pregnancy than women in their 20s.
Child marriage rates are strongly correlated with poverty. The bill, already passed by the Senate, would help education communities and provide alternatives to marriage for thousands of girls.
If we do nothing, there will be more than 100 million child brides. We can't consign these innocent girls to this fate. Please vote in favor of the International Protecting Girls by Preventing Child Marriage Act.
