‘TOL VIEWS

Data from UNICEF revealed that in 2022, childbearing among young female adolescents worldwide was at 13 percent. From the World Health Organization, records show that every year, teenage pregnancies are at 21 million, and childbirths from young women aged 15-19 are at approximately 12 million. In the Philippines, according to 2022 data from the World Bank, 48 out of every 1,000 women aged 15-19 give birth. From these empirical data alone, it is inevitable to conclude that teenage pregnancy has become an alarming global challenge which, if left unattended, is sure to severely cripple the world’s future.

Childbearing among teenage girls is a result of several prevailing social conditions which include, among others, child marriages, physical and sexual violence, poverty, lack of education and inadequate support and focus on reproductive health. Teenage pregnancies are most often unwanted and thus unplanned, and with the very young mother completely vulnerable to all sorts of physical and psychosocial health risks. Her sudden thrust into motherhood at a time when she should be studying, building her dreams, enjoying her youth, throws her into a scary unknown world. The life of the young mother abruptly changes and the impact of the pregnancy often creates irreparable damage to her well-being for the rest of her life.

The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, under SDG 3.7.2 indicator, aims to reduce adolescent birth rate (aged 10–14 years; aged 15–19 years) per 1,000 women in the identified age groups. This translates to the formulation of more comprehensive studies, broader programs on reproductive health and intensified interventions to curb world statistics on teen pregnancy. Locally, the Department of Health and other youth development agencies and organizations are relentlessly working to reduce the number of teen pregnancies in the country and broaden reproductive health education among young Filipinos. However, the need for legislation and policy formulation that are more specific and focused on addressing teen pregnancy in the country should complement our existing programs and advocacies.

The global challenge of teenage pregnancy is not just a health challenge. It likewise reflects the prevailing values and culture of the contemporary youth. Addressing adolescent childbearing issues may require more than reproductive health interventions and sex education. Our efforts may also well include values formation and character development among the Filipino youth.