The Campaign to End Child Marriage Has Made Progress, But There Are Still Lives At Stake
Ending child marriage isn’t easy. But because of your help, advocates for life-saving policy change have steadily made legislative progress over the past decade. Just three years ago, there wasn’t a single state that had outlawed underage marriage. Now, 17 states have passed reforms limiting the legal exceptions for youth marriage, with four states barring the practice entirely. And our momentum isn’t ending anytime soon: eleven states across America currently have crucial pending legislation, and Students Against Child Marriage is actively working to ensure those legislative efforts are successful.
The map below displays the most recent marriage reform efforts in all 50 states and Washington, D.C., including those who have completely eliminated child marriage and states where reform attempts have failed. This data was last updated prior to the commencement of the 2021 state legislative sessions.
Underage Marriage Reform is a Mixed Bag: Successes Stymied By Low Awareness
Though some states have actively made strides towards eliminating and reforming child marriage within their borders, others have failed young girls by not making any substantial progress in years. Underage marriage is a complex issue with simple legislative solutions. See the reforms for yourself on our State Progress Database, and read the major takeaways now:
22 States Have Limited or Entirely Eradicated Child Marriage in the Last Five Years.
Though some states have actively made strides towards eliminating and reforming child marriage within their borders, others have failed young girls by not making any substantial progress in years. Underage marriage is a complex issue with simple legislative solutions. See the reforms for yourself on our State Progress Database, and read the major takeaways now:
22 States Have Limited or Entirely Eradicated Child Marriage in the Last Five Years.
16 states
have protected thousands of children by raising their minimum marital age in the last five years
Though some states have actively made strides towards eliminating and reforming child marriage within their borders, others have failed young girls by not making any substantial progress in years. Underage marriage is a complex issue with simple legislative solutions. See the reforms for yourself on our State Progress Database, and read the major takeaways now:
22 States Have Limited or Entirely Eradicated Child Marriage in the Last Five Years.
11 states
are currently pursuing life-saving legislation that would completely outlaw child marriage
Though some states have actively made strides towards eliminating and reforming child marriage within their borders, others have failed young girls by not making any substantial progress in years. Underage marriage is a complex issue with simple legislative solutions. See the reforms for yourself on our State Progress Database, and read the major takeaways now:
22 States Have Limited or Entirely Eradicated Child Marriage in the Last Five Years.
4 states
saved countless potential victims by eliminating underage marriage entirely
Even When Outright Bans Are Not Possible, Strengthened Underage Marriage Laws Save Lives
Even When Outright Bans Are Not Possible, Strengthened Underage Marriage Laws Save Lives
6 states
protected thousands by increasing the requirements for judicial approval of underage marriages
Even When Outright Bans Are Not Possible, Strengthened Underage Marriage Laws Save Lives
4 states
stipulated that only emancipated minors can get married
Even When Outright Bans Are Not Possible, Strengthened Underage Marriage Laws Save Lives
3 states
established maximum age differences between children’s intended spouses
Even When Outright Bans Are Not Possible, Strengthened Underage Marriage Laws Save Lives
But the Progress Isn’t Perfect: Some States Don’t Act and Others Move Backwards
15 states
have failed to advance any child marriage reforms in the last 5 years
But the Progress Isn’t Perfect: Some States Don’t Act and Others Move Backwards
4 states
have rejected or let lapse lifesaving underage marriage legislation
But the Progress Isn’t Perfect: Some States Don’t Act and Others Move Backwards
2 states
actually weakened judicial oversight requirements to make child marriage even easier
“As a child raised to believe that a godly woman will save her family, his failings were a representation of my sin, my inability to be the wife God had called me to be. The way he behaved became my shame to carry.”
- Michelle
The movement to end child marriage is only as strong as the brave women who have come forward with their stories. Students Against Child Marriage is committed to elevating survivor voices as part of our mission to ensure the safety of countless children from coerced and abusive marriages. Survivors across the United States have been integral to reform efforts, and several have courageously shared their experiences with us. Read their stories, contribute, and take action to end child marriage now.