Lithuania: Underage marriages still occur due to teenage pregnancies

Underage marriages still occur in Lithuania primarily due to teenage pregnancies, despite a decline in recent years, LRT reports. Legislation allows courts to lower the legal marriage age of 18 in cases such as pregnancy. However, this practice has been criticised by the United Nations and children’s rights advocates, who argue that minors cannot give proper consent and that such marriages may be used to avoid statutory rape charges. While some experts support banning underage marriages entirely, others argue that this alone will not solve the underlying issues of teenage pregnancy and lack of family support. The debate highlights the need for better sex education, pregnancy prevention, and stronger family relationships.