I had no idea that child marriage was STILL this prevalent. Apparently, 60 million girls world wide are married off before the age of 17, usually to men twice their age!Young brides are:
- More likely to become young mothers. Girls under the age of 15 are five times more likely to die of childbirth than a woman in her 20s.
- More likely to drop out of school and have limited economic opportunities, which keeps them and their families locked in the cycle of poverty.
- Twice as likely to suffer domestic violence and are more vulnerable to sexually transmitted diseases like HIV.
Come on gals! We can't just stand by while these young girls are married off to men twice their age! The United States can use its leadership to prevent child marriage. Please ask your representatives to co-sponsor the International Protecting Girls by Preventing Child Marriage Act of 2009. Take one minute out of your day to sign this letter asking Congress to help.
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