POPCOM expresses concern over teen pregnancies

The Commission on Population and Development (POPCOM) has expressed concern over the rise of teenage pregnancies in the country, saying it may be considered a national social emergency.

According to Marisol Abdurahman’s report on “24 Oras”, Philippine Statistics Authority data showed that 31 out of every 1,000 who gave birth in 2020 were aged 15 to 19.

Ana, 15, said at a young age she was already taking care of her two-month-old baby. She said she got pregnant by her drinking buddy.

“Hindi ko po sinabi sa mama ko hanggang sa manganak po ako. Yung pangako ko po sa mama ko hindi ko na natupad. Magtatapos po muna ako bago mag-anak,” Ana said.

The POPCOM said pregnancy among those aged 15 to 19 slowed down in 2020. However, pregnancy among 10 to 14-year-olds  increased in 2021.

“Siguro may epekto rin po yung restrictions sa mobility noong time ng pandemic. Nakakabahala ngayon dahil lumabas na ulit silang lahat and then face-to-face classes na medyo sabik makipag-interact sa mga classmates,” Robel said.

According to POPCOM, one of the reasons for teenage pregnancy may contribute to a lack of access to the right information.

“Kapag curious sila tapos hindi nila alam mostly po yung engagement sa sex unprotected kasi wala pong access sa information. May effect din yung social media yung mga napapanood nila siguro. At saka diba ang aga na rin nila naeengage into relationships,” Robel said.

Apart from the right information, it is also important to have access to reproductive health to avoid teenage pregnancies.

“Access to all forms of medically and legally approved contraceptive methods,” she said.

This was also raised by the AIDS Healthcare Foundation, including the use of contraceptives such as condoms.

“It is a tool to prevent not only pregnancy, not only STD, but rather it is a tool that provides you safety,” Nenet Ortega, country manager of AHF Philippines, said.

Several lawmakers have pushed for House Bill 79 or the prevention of adolescent pregnancy bill to create a national policy to prevent teenage pregnancy and give protection to teenage parents.

“Hindi na norm ang adolescent pregnancy. This is a global concern which should be addressed by legislators and implementers,” Representative Edcel Lagman said. —Richa Noriega/NB, GMA Integrated News