Groups raise concern over increase in teenage pregnancy

Several groups have expressed concern over the rise of teenage pregnancy in the country that may be due to several reasons including, lack of information and services on reproductive health.

The data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) shows that almost 500 babies are born everyday from parents aged from 10 up to 19, according to Joseph Morong’s “24 Oras” report on Thursday.

The results of the study conducted by the Philippine Legislators’ Committee on Population and Development (PLCPD), the number of teenagers aged 15 and below, who gave birth, has risen to 2,411 in 2019 from 1,116 in 2008.

The PLCPD cited the reasons for the rise in teenage pregnancy, these include lack of information on reproductive health and access to reproductive health services.

The group added that the data also includes minors who were exploited.

“Ayon sa Population Commission, ang mga lalaki na nakakabuntis sa mga batang ito ay 20-years-old, 40-years-old, 50-years-old hanggang 60-years-old,” PLCPD executive director Rom Dongeto said.

The problem in the rise of adolescent pregnancy was declared as national priority in 2021.

“It is very worrisome, especially for government, kasi this translates to mga batang nahihinto sa pag-aaral; ikalawa, mataas na kaso ng morbidity. In fact, may mga namamatay na mga bata [hindi kinaya] ng kanilang katawan,” Dongeto said.

The PLCPD pointed out that there is no law aimed at implementation of efforts to prevent teenage pregnancy, such as giving information and support for the teenagers.

In the Reproductive Health Act, the provision to give minors access to education and reproductive health services was removed.

“Kung may access sana sila sa serbisyo medikal, mabibigyan din sila ng pagpapaliwanag na sana ito na yung huli mong pagbubuntis dahil delikado sayo dahil bata ka pa,” Dongeto said.

(If they have access to medical services, they will also be given given an explanation that the teenage pregnancy is dangerous.)

In a separate statement, the PLCPD has called Congress to prioritize prevention of adolescent pregnancy.

“We call on Congress to pass the bill addressing adolescent pregnancies by establishing prevention programs and providing social protection for adolescent parents,” the group said.

“We call on all sectors of society who have an important role and responsibility in addressing this. It is high time to reaffirm our commitment and act with urgency to prepare a future with no more children having children,” it added. -- Richa Noriega/BAP, GMA News