On December 2, 2010, the U.S. Senate passed The International Protecting Girls by Preventing Child Marriage Act, which seeks to eliminate the harmful practice of child marriage.

Worldwide, more than 60 million girls between the ages of 20 and 24 were married before the age of 18- often at the encouragement of their parents and often to much older men - with no say in the decision.  Child marriage instigates a myriad of educational, social, and health challenges for girls who are married too young. Child brides run a very high risk of complications in pregnancy and childbirth, are more likely to experience gender-based violence, and are highly vulnerable to sexually transmitted infections, including HIV.  

In order for the Act to become law, we need the House of Representatives to follow the Senate's lead and pass this legislation before Congress adjourns this year. Ask your Congressperson to pass the International Protecting Girls by Preventing Child Marriage Act now. Time is running out! Write your own letter, or use the sample below.

Dear [NAME]:

On December 2nd, your colleagues in the Senate passed the International Protecting Girls by Preventing Child Marriage Act (S. 987), thereby taking an important step towards securing a just and healthy life for girls and women worldwide. 

This pathbreaking bill would require the president to develop a strategy to combat child marriage; integrate the issue of child marriage into relevant US development programs; and require the State Department to report on the practice in its annual Human Rights Report.

I am concerned about this grave human rights violation and know that you will do what you can to ensure the International Protecting Girls by Preventing Child Marriage Act (H.R. 2103) is passed into law this year.  Millions of girls around the world are counting on you for your leadership and support.  

Sincerely,
[NAME]

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