Nine is too young to be a bride.

Protect Iraq's Girls: Stop bill that would expand child marriage Sign Now Dear friends, When I was nine years old, I was studying long division in school, doing extra chores to earn pocket change to buy a new doll, and the biggest concern I had was whether or not my little league team would make it to the playoffs. But if some politicians get their way, Iraq's nine year old girls could have to concern themselves with husbands. Iraq already has one of the highest child marriage rates in the world. It's estimated that one-fifth of Iraqi girls between 15 and 19 have husbands. But apparently that's not enough. Right now, the Iraqi Parliament is debating an amendment that would allow girls as young as nine to marry. This isn't just about about these girls losing their childhood. Child marriage thwarts girls' opportunities. It often ends their education, and, if marriage doesn't do it, a pregnancy does. These early pregnancies carry serious risks as their still-growing bodies have a hard time safely carrying a child to term or making it through childbirth. Fifteen is too young to get married. Nine should stay criminal. These girls lack the power to be able to fight for their right to play with dolls instead of husbands. We need the international community to come their their aid. Sign the petition to demand that the Iraqi government table this and any amendment that promotes child marriage. Thank you,   Emily V. The Care2 Petitions Team