Child marriage

It's very difficult to imagine the life of a child forced to marry very young. The fear of living with a stranger, giving birth, and taking on huge responsibilities can be overwhelming, many times incapacitating.

In India, it's illegal for a girl or boy to marry before the age of 18 and 21 respectively. But a majority of Indians live in villages where customs, caste and rituals -- not legalities -- influence decisions.

Some communities feel child marriage is the best way to prevent sexual exploitation of the girl. Ironically, in many cases, there is danger of such harassment only after they are married.

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[divyals123]

No, even though that was the tradition in the past, having a child at 16 is not good. The body is not mature enough, and teenagers have a higher percentage of pregnancy problems, including childbirth difficulties, and other serious medical problems. I know this because i worked in a hospital and dealt with countless pregnant girls.

The ideal age for a woman to have a child should be between 23-24. However, life and maturity issues indicate marriage at 25+ and kids at 28.

[vontrop]

16 years old is NOT a child, the average age to give birth to a child 100 years ago in the US was 15 years old.

At 16 a woman is able to give birth and it is also the optomum time in her life to give birth, she will regain her bodys shape and be back to a pre pregnant state fast.

I didint write these rules god did

[doneice18]

wow children can wow very... {signs} wonder-ful

[Treemeadow]

Not just Utah, but in appalachia too. Girls as young as 10 can get married.

[FLASHRULRS]

indian are beautiful

[gypsygoddessdeva]

Unfortunatly there is also child marriage in the United States, it is found in Utah with the mormons, and not just young wives but multiple young wives. It is a practice that should stop in EVERY country. Think how many scientific researchers, teachers, doctors, conservationists and learned people this world is lacking due to children getting married. How many brilliant minds have we lost due to such a practice?