More than 60 million girls around the world have been forced into marriage before the age of 18. Child marriage devastates the lives of girls, their families and their communities. Every day, more than 25,000 girls, some as young as 7-years old, become child brides. If this trend continues, another 100 million girls will be forced into marriage in the next 10 years. 

The violation of these girls' human rights does not end, merely with the marriage itself. Child brides are less likely to complete their education, limiting their ability to earn an income later in life. They are twice as likely to experience domestic violence, and are far more likely to bear children when still young. Early childbirth can lead to many medical complications while pregnant, during childbirth, and during recovery. Complications stemming from pregnancy and childbirth are a leading cause of death for girls ages 15–19 worldwide.

Fortunately, there is something you can do to prevent child marriage.

Ask Congress to co-sponsor and help pass the International Protecting Girls by Preventing Child Marriage Act.