Rising Concern Over Teenage Pregnancy
MANILA, Philippines — The Commission on Population and Development urges the 20th Congress to prioritize the passage of the anti-teenage pregnancy bill, highlighting the alarming rise in adolescent pregnancies across the country. This increase is especially notable among young girls aged 10 to 14.
During the 2025 World Population Day, a CPD official shared that teenage pregnancy cases have surged from over 2,000 in 2019 to 3,343 in 2023, based on the latest government data. “Our pregnancies are alarming for young people. That’s why we really want to call attention to their right for reproductive agency, the freedom to choose when they want to have children, how many, and they have access to services for information,” she emphasized.
The official stressed that the passage of the anti-teenage pregnancy bill is crucial to empower youth with the knowledge and resources they need to make informed decisions about their reproductive health.
Understanding the Anti-Teenage Pregnancy Bill
Senate Bill No. 1979, known as the Prevention of Adolescent Pregnancy Act of 2023, authored by a senator, aims to mandate comprehensive sexuality education in all public and private schools. The program would be integrated into the curriculum under guidance from the Department of Education and international standards.
Despite its goals, the bill faces opposition after claims spread online linking it to controversial topics such as childhood masturbation. This led some senators to withdraw their support. Even the President expressed reluctance to sign the bill, calling the alleged provisions “ridiculous” and “abhorrent.”
However, the bill’s author clarified that the curriculum focuses on basic anatomy, the consequences of early pregnancy, and responsible choices—not inappropriate content. “CSE contains the very same things you support: teaching kids anatomy, consequences of early pregnancy, that is what we are pushing for,” she said.
House Refiling and Continued Advocacy
A newly elected House representative committed to refiling the anti-teenage pregnancy bill, reiterating the urgency to address the growing crisis. She condemned misinformation surrounding the bill and highlighted the unprecedented teenage pregnancy rates in the Philippines.
“We will refile the anti-teenage pregnancy bill, and of course, our call continues that it should be the government’s priority to ensure that the youth are educated for their commitments or how they can provide a peaceful life,” she said.
The lawmaker urged fellow legislators to support and refine the measure, emphasizing the need to protect youth, especially young women, from the adverse effects of teenage pregnancy.
“If we continue to have inaction about this crisis, the ones who will be most disadvantaged will be the youth, especially young women,” she added.
Protecting Youth Through Education
The call to pass the anti-teenage pregnancy bill reflects a broader effort to advance reproductive health education in the Philippines. Advocates believe that empowering young Filipinos with knowledge about their bodies and choices is key to reversing the troubling trend.
For more news and updates on adolescent pregnancy prevention, visit Filipinokami.com.
