Adult women who were once child brides are urging Missouri lawmakers to outlaw child marriage, a practice that remains legal in most states. In 2018, Missouri passed a law prohibiting marriages of children aged 15 and younger, allowing only 16- and 17-year-olds to marry with parental consent. However, advocates argue that these laws are insufficient in protecting minors.
An advocacy group, Unchained At Last, revealed that 231 minors were married in Missouri between 2019 and 2021, with the majority being girls wed to adult men. This alarming statistic has prompted calls for stricter legislation.
Several states, including Missouri, California, and South Carolina, have bills pending this year that aim to completely ban underage marriages. Despite previous failed attempts in states like South Dakota, California, and West Virginia, advocates remain hopeful for change.
Supporters of child marriages argue that minors may marry to escape the foster care system or to start families at a young age. However, critics point out the risks and consequences, citing cases of abuse and exploitation.
Personal testimonies from former child brides highlight the detrimental effects of early marriages. Stories of abuse, lack of education, and limited legal rights shed light on the urgency of addressing this issue.
According to Unchained At Last, nearly 300,000 children as young as 10 were married in the U.S. between 2000 and 2018, predominantly involving girls marrying adult men. The organization emphasizes that marriage at a young age can trap individuals in legal and emotional challenges.
Advocates stress the importance of protecting minors from forced marriages and ensuring their rights are upheld. They argue that child marriages can be exploited by adults to evade legal consequences, such as rape charges.
Missouri's proposed bill to ban child marriage unanimously passed a committee in February, with minimal opposition. Lawmakers are now under pressure to address this issue before the legislative deadline in mid-May.
