Across the country, policymakers are taking steps to end child marriage strong bills are still pending in 7 states this legislative session—and our supporters are helping strengthen this momentum.
Why this matters
Child marriage exposes minors to coercion, abuse, and irreversible consequences that no legal system should permit. Ending it nationwide is a necessary step toward safeguarding children’s rights, dignity, and freedom in every state.
AHA Foundation is working to support these efforts and ensure reforms protect children’s rights and safety. Below, you’ll find where progress is happening —and how your advocacy can drive change.
Here is a snapshot of where things stand on some of the leading bills:
Ohio
What’s at stake: Closing loopholes that still allow child marriage at 17
Status: Ohio law currently allows courts to enter a 17-year-old into marriage if the spouse is no more than four years older.
SB341/HB670 would close this loophole by banning all marriage before age 18, creating a clear and uniform standard that protects minors. SB341 was heard by the Senate Judiciary Committee on March 25, and HB670 is awaiting action in the House Judiciary Committee.
AHA’s role:
AHA testified in person and submitted written testimony in support of the legislation.
Take action:
If you are an Ohio resident, please contact your state legislator and urge them to pass the ban.
Oklahoma
What’s at stake: Closing one of the most egregious child marriage loopholes in the country, allowing children of any age to be entered into marriage
Status: Current Oklahoma law includes an alarming loophole: one parent or guardian may enter a 16- or 17-year old minor into marriage, and a child 15 or younger, with no minimum age specified, may be entered into marriage by a judge, if she is pregnant or has given birth, or to settle a suit for paternity or “seduction”. This makes Oklahoma one of only four states with a harmful and archaic pregnancy exception..
SB504 would eliminate these exceptions by setting a clear minimum marriage age of 18, strengthening protections for minors, and keeping them from being forced to marry their rapists. The bill passed unanimously out of the Senate on March 25, and then the House Judiciary and Public Safety Oversight committee. It is now awaiting action on the House floor.
AHA’s role:
AHA engaged in direct outreach with legislators, providing written support and policy memos.
Take action:
If you are an Oklahoma resident, please contact your state legislator and urge them to pass the ban.
Colorado
Status: An alarming loophole allows juvenile courts to approve the marriage of a 16- or 17-year-old. This became law in 2019; previously, parents could marry off children of any age with judicial approval.
The amendment ignores that child marriage is a human trafficking workaround and a legal trap that denies minors adult protections, forces automatic emancipation, leaving girls without the support of their family, and causes lifelong harms like sexual abuse and loss of education and economic opportunities. It would leave 97% of Colorado’s soon-to-be child brides exactly where they were—vulnerable to abuse and grooming, shut out of school, and facing economic and health consequences that follow them for life.
AHA’s role:
AHA testified in person before the committee, standing alongside survivors and allied advocates to support the legislation.
If you are a Colorado resident, please contact your state legislator and urge them to pass the ban.
As momentum builds across the country, your voice can strengthen this movement. Together, we can ensure every child is protected—in every state.
Thank you for standing with us in this work.