Following the Commission on Population and Development’s statement calling for heightened vigilance against adolescent pregnancy, the United Nations Population Fund expresses deep concern and echoes calls for immediate action to address this critical issue.

A recent report by the CPD revealed a worrying increase in the number of births registered by young girls between the ages of 10 and 14. This concerning trend, which has been observed even before the pandemic, underscores an underlying and pervasive issue – that adolescents are unable to realize their full sexual and reproductive health and rights.

We already know that young mothers and their children face high risks of health complications – from severe neonatal conditions to preventable maternal deaths. Using data from the Civil Registration and Vital Statistics, pregnancies among the 10 to 14 age group have a higher probability of maternal mortality. 

These girls also face numerous challenges as many of them are forced to stop schooling, which in turn deprives them of a better future. UNFPA Philippines’ ongoing Longitudinal Cohort Study on the Filipino Child also provides strong evidence that adolescent pregnancy perpetuates intergenerational poverty and poor education and nutrition outcomes. 

With the lives of children at stake, it is important that we continue to study and monitor the situation but more critical now is the decisive action of the government and its partners.

A legislative measure (currently awaiting approval by the Senate and already passed by the House of Representatives) proposes establishing a comprehensive framework for government and other stakeholders to collaborate effectively in addressing the issue of adolescent pregnancy. Specifically, the bill intends to:

• Strengthen the comprehensive sexuality education program to empower adolescents to make informed choices about their sexuality;
• Provide social protection for at-risk and teenage mothers; and
• Ensure access to sexual and reproductive health services for adolescents with the necessary support and guidance from healthcare providers.

UNFPA emphasizes the urgency of addressing this issue promptly to safeguard the well-being of adolescents and prevent the perpetuation of harmful consequences for our society. We call on all stakeholders to support the passage of the pending bill addressing adolescent pregnancy and collaborate in implementing measures that will protect the rights and health of young people, fostering a safer and brighter future for them and our communities. #