"Dominican Women Rally Against Child Marriage and Teen Pregnancy Despite Abortion Prohibitions"

In the Dominican Republic, activists like Marcia González are fighting against child marriage and teen pregnancy through "teenage clubs" that educate young girls on sexual and reproductive rights amidst a total abortion ban. Despite the ban, which includes prison sentences for women and practitioners, and a powerful religious lobby against decriminalizing abortion, these clubs aim to empower girls and prevent unplanned pregnancies. The country faces high rates of teen pregnancy and gender violence, with child marriage being prohibited only recently in 2021. Activists are working to change the normalized view of early marriage and provide support and education to young women, encouraging them to pursue their dreams and break the cycle of poverty and abuse.