Child marriage, the union of a minor under the age of 18 with an adult, is a prevalent global issue that has detrimental consequences for young people. Recognizing the severe impact of child marriage on children's health, education, and overall well-being, New Hampshire has taken significant strides towards eradicating this practice.
This comprehensive guide will provide an in-depth analysis of New Hampshire's child marriage laws, empowering young people and advocates with the knowledge and resources necessary to navigate this complex issue.
In the United States, child marriage has a long and troubling history. However, in recent years, there has been a growing movement to end this practice. In 2018, New Hampshire became the 35th state to enact a law prohibiting child marriage.
The New Hampshire Child Protection Act (RSA 457-B), effective January 1, 2019, raised the minimum age of marriage to 18 and eliminated the previous provision that allowed 16- and 17-year-olds to marry with parental consent. This landmark legislation aligns New Hampshire with national efforts to protect children from the harms associated with child marriage.
According to UNICEF, an estimated 12 million girls worldwide are married before the age of 18 each year. In the United States, the prevalence of child marriage is lower, but still present. A study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) found that approximately 200,000 minors were married in the U.S. between 2000 and 2010.
Child marriage has severe and long-lasting consequences for young people, including:
Despite the progress made in New Hampshire and other states, there are still significant barriers to ending child marriage globally. These barriers include:
Ending child marriage requires a comprehensive and multi-pronged approach. Effective strategies include:
Pros:
Cons:
Provision | Description |
---|---|
Minimum Age of Marriage | 18 |
Parental Consent | Not required |
Judicial Waiver | Not allowed |
Penalties for Violations | Felony charges for adults who marry minors |
State | Percentage of Married Minors (2000-2010) |
---|---|
Idaho | 1.2% |
West Virginia | 1.1% |
Alaska | 1.0% |
Kentucky | 1.0% |
Tennessee | 0.9% |
Strategy | Description |
---|---|
Legal Reforms | Enact and enforce laws that prohibit child marriage. |
Education and Awareness | Raise awareness about the harms of child marriage and empower young people. |
Economic Empowerment | Provide young people with education, job training, and economic opportunities. |
Social Support | Create safe and supportive environments for young people, including access to mentors and role models. |
International Cooperation | Collaborate with international organizations and governments to address the global issue of child marriage. |
New Hampshire's Child Protection Act is a significant step towards ending the practice of child marriage in the state. By prohibiting child marriage and providing young people with access to education, economic oportunidades, and social support, New Hampshire is creating a brighter future for its children.
Ending child marriage globally requires continued efforts from governments, organizations, and individuals. Through collaboration, education, and advocacy, we can create a world where all children have the opportunity to reach their full potential, free from the harmful effects of child marriage.
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