RISING TEENAGE PREGNANCY: A GRAVE SOCIAL CHALLENGE POLICY ON TEENAGE PREGNANCY By: National Youth Commission

What is the issue? The 2013 Young Adults Fertility and Sexuality (YAFS 4) revealed that one (1) in every three (3) youth aged years old has engaged in early sexual encounter (ESE). – This indicates more than 14% increase in ESE compared 20 years ago when YAFS 2 was conducted.

What is the issue? According to the University of the Philippines Population Institute or UPPI (2014), this data translates to about 6.2 million youth who have engaged in sexual intercourse before marriage or even if they do not have the intention to marry.

What is the issue? Table 1: Increased teenage fertility on the past decade Source: University of the Philippines Population Institute, 2014

What is the issue? Teenage pregnancy results to negative socioeconomic and education of the youth (National Statistics Office, 2012). In addition, teenage pregnancy and childbearing could affect the both physical and emotional health conditions of the youth. It is significant to note that the risk is not only on the mother but also with the unborn child considering that the body of the young mother is not yet ready for childbearing.

What is the issue? There could be different causes for teen pregnancy: – prostitution, – child trafficking, – child abuse, – early fixed marriage, – rape, – unplanned and unprotected sexual intercourse (Widom, 1996). This is usually related to the risky sexual behaviour of a youth which is affected by different factors namely: – alcohol/drug substance use; – peer pressure; – social media; – absence of scientific and age appropriate sexuality education.

What is the issue? Filipino culture gives great emphasis on the role of the family in moulding Filipino traditions and values. The culture of conformity is prevalent among Filipinos, hence, conforming to decision-makers (fathers or elders) are most likely to be adhered to without question. The choice of topics being laid for family discussion is also controlled by parents.

What is the issue? Absence of sexuality education could be in effect of a poor health seeking behaviour or a low access to reproductive health (RH) counselling and services. The RH Law better-known as the Responsible Parenthood and Reproductive Health Act of 2012, or the Reproductive Health Law ensures youth’s access to an array of RH services ranging from RH facilities, know-hows and counselling. The RH services are designed to curb the increase of teen pregnancy by providing the much needed knowledge and services.

What is the issue? However, one of the provisions in the RH Law, specifically Sec. 7 or RA provides for prior parental consent on youth years of age before any access to RH services.

NYC’s call to address teenage pregnancy The National Youth Commission (NYC) posit the need to remove the required prior parental consent of youth years old to allow them access to RH services. NYC’s position is that this requirement for this particular age group hampers the success of RH law implementation and diminishes the level of protection this law aims to provide.

NYC’s policy recommendations First Recommendation: Amendment of Sec. 7 of RA regarding prior parental consent for youth between years of age. - This proposed amendment to the RA aims to provide access to RH services by all youth age groups.

NYC’s policy recommendations This proposed measure is designed to remove/minimize significant hindrances to RH implementation. It takes into account the cultural aspect as to the range of topics a family may allow or is open for discussion.

NYC’s policy recommendations Second Recommendation: The provision of RH services through the recommendation of a qualified social welfare worker. - This empowers the local social welfare workers to intercede for the years old in order for them to gain access to RH counselling and services.

NYC’s policy recommendations The social workers are, by their training and profession, are skilled and equipped to handle matters a typical family cannot. Hence, the concerned social worker may endorse the minor to the appropriate health worker for RH services after proper counselling.

Conclusion Teenage pregnancy has always been one of the pressing issues in the country that requires great attention from both the government and the society. It encompasses all youth development dimensions, from the wellbeing of the youth, their families and communities, and the interventions of the government. Thus, NYC calls for proper interventions to ensure that teenage pregnancy is addressed.

Thank you very much.