Teen pregnancies among very young mothers in the Philippines have surged, with 3,343 babies born to children aged 10-14 in 2023, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA). This marks a sharp increase from 2,113 recorded in 2020 and 3,135 in 2022.
The alarming trend was highlighted during a press conference Friday by the Child Rights Network (CRN) and child rights advocates, urging lawmakers and President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. to carefully review Senate Bill 1979, known as the Adolescent Pregnancy Prevention Bill.
CRN stressed the importance of implementing comprehensive sex education (CSE) led by trained professionals to equip children and youth with accurate, life-saving information. Au Quilala, deputy executive director of the Philippine Legislators Committee on Population and Development, emphasized that many young Filipinos lack reliable sources of information about sex, often turning to social media or peers.
“How can children prevent teenage pregnancy if they rely on inaccurate information? Internet misinformation is dangerous without proper discernment,” Quilala warned in a GMA News report. She also pointed out cases of abuse involving parents or guardians, underscoring the need for safe spaces where children can seek help.
The PSA revealed that 44% of young Filipino females and 39% of young Filipino males lack access to educational materials on sex. Teenage pregnancies have been linked to nearly 60% of school dropouts among young girls, costing the country billions in lost opportunities and limiting their future potential.
Quilala called on lawmakers to act urgently, warning, “Let’s not wait until it’s too late to protect more Filipino children from abuse and early pregnancies.”
President Marcos, addressing the withdrawal of support from seven senators for the bill, stated he would thoroughly review the substitute measure before making a decision. Advocates continue to push for stronger action to address the rising trend of teen pregnancies.
