UN agency urges PH to address rising number of teen pregnancies

INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines — United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) Philippines, a sexual and reproductive health agency, pressed the government on Wednesday to address the alarming rise of teenage pregnancies in the country.

In a statement, the UNFPA expressed its deep concern after the Commission on Population and Development reported a rising trend in the number of pregnancies among teenagers aged 10 to 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,” UNFPA said.

It added that pregnancy at a young age also poses significant risks to adolescents’ health, education, future, and even their lives.

With that, UNFPA urged continuous study and monitoring of the issue and the passage of a pending bill addressing teenage pregnancy.

The group was referring to House Bill Number 8910, which proposes the establishment of a comprehensive framework that will allow the government and other stakeholders to formulate solutions to address the problem.

The House of Representatives passed it in September 2023, and it is currently awaiting approval in the Senate.

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“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,” it said.

“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,” UNFPA added.