The legislative change closes a loophole that allowed 16 and 17-year-olds to marry with parental or guardian consent.
Bolivia has taken a significant step in protecting the rights of adolescent girls and boys by approving an amendment to raise the minimum legal age for marriage to 18 years old with no exceptions.
The amendment, introduced through Bill No. 092/2024-2025 and addressing Law No. 603 of the Family Code and Family Procedure Code, was approved by the Chamber of Deputies on 17 September 2025. It also prohibits the cohabitation of minors in Bolivia.
Previously, Bolivian law allowed individuals aged 16 and 17 to marry with parental or guardian consent. This legislative change closes that loophole, ensuring that marriage is reserved for consenting adults only.
The bill now awaits final promulgation by the government’s executive branch.
Why legal reforms alone are not enough
Child marriage remains a global issue, with 12 million girls married before the age of 18 each year. While legal reforms like Bolivia’s are crucial, they must be accompanied by comprehensive approaches that address the root causes of child marriage, including gender inequality, poverty, and lack of access to education.
Laws against child marriage are important, but they are not enough on their own. To ensure girls and women can be socially, economically, and politically independent – making informed choices about marriage, their bodies, education, and work – the laws must also be accompanied by investment in gender-transformative services and policies to address the root causes of child marriage, and ensuring laws truly protect and support girls at risk.
Evidence also shows that criminalising child marriage can have unintended and negative consequences for adolescent girls, their families, and their children. This highlights the need for legal measures to be part of a comprehensive approach that addresses the structural drivers of child marriage and provides services and support for girls who are already married.
