The news that the President of Sierra Leone has banned child marriage was welcomed by so many in that country this past week. Stiff fines and jail time will be offered to offenders. But did you know that right here in the United States, child marriage is happening and while 37 states are working to end it, roadblocks stand in their way. That's why your help is needed.

There is no federal law regarding child marriage - it's left up to each state to decide. Right now, only 4 states (California, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Mississippi) in the US have banned child marriage. Here are some quick stats:

- nearly 300,000 kids under the age of 18 were legally married in the US between 2000-2018

- 86% of those marriages were minor girls

- 74% were minor girls married to adult men

Take 30 (free) seconds and add your name in support of ending child marriage in the U.S.: https://act.unicefusa.org/childmarriage

Sources: UNICEF; The Guardian
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