Hidden in Plain Sight: Child Marriage Persists in Mexico Despite Legal Bans

Child Marriage in Mexico: A Persistent Problem Despite Legal Bans A recent wedding in the indigenous community of San Pedro Cuitlapán, Guerrero, Mexico, brought to light the ongoing issue of child marriage. Despite a 2019 federal law prohibiting marriage before 18, the event sparked outrage. The local civil registry clarified that no marriage certificate was issued, but the fact that the ceremony took place highlights the deeper problems at play. The video report from N+ features Mariana Hernandez, who states, "This event confirms that despite being prohibited by law, this reality persists in various regions of the country." The report cites statistics from Girls Not Brides, indicating Mexico's position as the tenth country globally with the highest number of married adolescents. Twenty-one percent of women marry or form unions before 18, and four percent before 15. These unions are more common in rural areas of northeastern and southern Mexico. While the number of official child marriages has decreased, informal unions are more frequent. Hernandez explains that the root causes are structural: poverty, inequality, lack of education, and deeply ingrained gender norms. For many vulnerable families, marrying off a daughter is seen as a way to alleviate economic burdens. However, the consequences are severe, including school dropout, domestic violence, and early pregnancy. Children are also victims, forced into adult roles before they are ready. The video concludes by emphasizing the need to address these root causes through investment in education, promotion of gender equality, and access to sexual and reproductive health services. Working directly with communities to transform cultural norms is crucial to eradicating child marriage in Mexico.