How early marriage harms girls' health
Marriage in childhood puts a girl's health, and sometimes her life, in danger. This article explains the main risks in simple terms and what can protect girls.
A body that is not ready
A girl's body is still growing. Pregnancy and childbirth at a young age carry serious risks for her and for her baby. Complications can leave lasting harm.
In 2013, news reports told of an eight-year-old girl in Yemen who died of internal bleeding on the night she was married to a 40-year-old man. Her death showed the world how deadly child marriage can be.
Harm to the mind
Early marriage can also bring fear, loneliness and deep stress. A young wife may be cut off from her friends and family.
She may face violence and have no one to turn to.
What protects girls
- A clear minimum age of marriage, applied in practice.
- Health information for families and for girls.
- Schools that keep girls learning and connected.
- Safe places where a girl can ask for help.
Protecting a girl's health means letting her grow up first. No tradition is worth a child's life.