News Center- Despite laws against child marriage, the practice remains widespread. Globally, one in every five girls is formally married or in an informal union, before reaching age 18, the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) said on Tuesday.

In the least developed countries, that number almost doubles, 36 percent of girls are married before age 18, and 10 percent of girls are married before age 15.

“Child marriage threatens girls’ lives and health, and it limits their future prospects,” the UNFPA said. “Girls pressed into child marriage often become pregnant while still adolescents, increasing the risk of complications in pregnancy or childbirth. These complications are the leading cause of death among older adolescent girls.”