Rivka Nathan, AHA Foundation Development Assistant and a National Coalition to End Child Marriage survivor member
From the bottom of my heart, I am so grateful for your support that helped make Oklahoma’s passage of SB504 possible. As a survivor, this victory feels deeply personal—it means that no child in Oklahoma can be coerced or forced into marriage. That protection is life‑changing for young people at risk, and your generosity made it happen.
When I heard the news, I felt a rush of relief and gratitude. For survivors like me, laws are more than policy—they are fulfillment of years of advocacy to secure protection for new generations. That feeling of relief is something I carry with me every day. But it is also a reminder that we still must secure the same protections in the remaining 33 states.
Why it matters beyond one state
This change in Oklahoma is not just a local win; it’s part of a growing movement across the country to end child marriage. Each state that closes loopholes and raises the age to 18 strengthens the message that children deserve childhoods.
I am thrilled and appreciate all the hard work AHA Foundation and Unchained at Last do on behalf of survivors and I want to thank every supporter— the individuals, families, and communities who sent contributions, shared our message, and raised their voices. You give survivors and advocates like me such encouragement to keep going to protect every child.
I hope we see a similar victory in Ohio soon. I will continue to speak up, support and advocate for laws that protect children. We have come a long way, but we won’t stop until child marriage is a thing of the past across the entire country.