During a debate in the New Hampshire House of Representatives this week, Republican state Rep. Jess Edwards voiced his opposition to a bill setting the minimum age of marriage to 18 — because it would induce “ripe and fertile” 16-year-olds and 17-year-olds to have more abortions instead of settling down and having a family. The remarks were reported by the New Hampshire Bulletin, following extensive and spirited debate that ultimately saw the bill pass the state house. The legislation would replace current state law that allows 16- and 17-year-olds to get married if they have the consent of a …