Teenage pregnancy cases seen to rebound
Teenage pregnancy cases seen to rebound The Manila Times
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Cases of Teenage Pregnancy Could Rebound with the Return to Full Face-to-Face Classes
Introduction
In a recorded video interview with The Manila Times on Thursday, Commission on Population and Development (CPD) Deputy Executive Director Lolito Tacardon expressed concerns that cases of teenage pregnancy could increase with the return to full face-to-face classes. He highlighted the potential factors contributing to this increase, such as more lenient interaction among adolescents, the return of adolescents to schools, and the removal of restrictions like curfews.
Current Situation
Based on the National Demographic and Health survey in 2022, there has been a decline in teenage pregnancy cases among those aged 15 to 19. However, there has been an uptick in cases among girls aged 10 to 14, as reported by the Civil Registry and vital statistics. The latest figures show an increase from nearly 2,000 cases in 2020 to 2,300 cases in 2021.
Sexual Abuse and Exploitation
Tacardon also highlighted incidents of sexual abuse, particularly among adolescent mothers aged 10 to 14. He noted that many of these cases involve partners who are older than the adolescent mothers. He emphasized that under the legal system, these cases can be considered as sexual abuse, regardless of consent, due to the recent policy that increased the age of sexual consent to 16. This indicates the presence of sexual abuses among adolescent girls.
Policy Interventions
Tacardon mentioned that policy interventions for addressing adolescent pregnancy have been developed prior to the passage of House Bill (HB) 8910, also known as the “Adolescent Pregnancy Prevention Act.” The Commission on Population and Development (CPD) secured Executive Order (EO) 141 from former President Rodrigo Duterte, which made the issue a national priority. EO 141 identifies five factors contributing to adolescent pregnancy: lack of information on sexuality, lack of access to reproductive health services, incidents of sexual abuse, socioeconomic factors influencing sexual behavior, and the need for positive and productive activities for young people.
Programs and Actions
Tacardon stated that programs on adolescent pregnancy are part of the Philippine Population and Development Plan of Action, specifically focusing on adolescent health and development. The Commission aims to capacitate local government units (LGUs) in developing programs at the local level, as LGUs play a crucial role in providing an enabling environment for young people to prevent adolescent pregnancy. Additionally, the Commission is mandated to develop a social protection program for adolescent mothers and their children, as stated in the 2022 General Appropriations Act and HB 8910.
Adolescent Pregnancy Prevention Act
The “Adolescent Pregnancy Prevention Act” (HB 8910) was unanimously approved by the House of Representatives on Tuesday. The bill aims to reduce incidences of pregnancy among adolescents. Once enacted into law, it will establish an Adolescent Pregnancy Prevention Inter-Agency Council responsible for formulating and implementing policies and programs related to preventing adolescent pregnancy.
Conclusion
Efforts to address teenage pregnancy must be intensified, especially with the return to full face-to-face classes. The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 3 (Good Health and Well-being) and Goal 5 (Gender Equality), emphasize the importance of reducing adolescent pregnancy rates and ensuring the well-being of young people. By implementing comprehensive programs and policies, involving local government units, and providing social protection for adolescent mothers, the Philippines can make significant progress towards achieving these SDGs.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Analysis
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
- SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
- SDG 4: Quality Education
- SDG 5: Gender Equality
- SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
- SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions
The issues highlighted in the article are connected to these SDGs because they involve teenage pregnancy, sexual abuse, access to reproductive health services, and the need for comprehensive sexuality education.
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
- SDG 3.7: By 2030, ensure universal access to sexual and reproductive health-care services, including for family planning, information and education, and the integration of reproductive health into national strategies and programs.
- SDG 4.7: By 2030, ensure that all learners acquire the knowledge and skills needed to promote sustainable development, including, among others, through education for sustainable development and sustainable lifestyles, human rights, gender equality, promotion of a culture of peace and non-violence, global citizenship, and appreciation of cultural diversity and of culture’s contribution to sustainable development.
- SDG 5.3: Eliminate all harmful practices, such as child, early and forced marriage and female genital mutilation.
- SDG 10.2: By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic, and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion, or economic or other status.
- SDG 16.2: End abuse, exploitation, trafficking, and all forms of violence against and torture of children.
These targets are relevant to the issues discussed in the article as they address the need for access to reproductive health services, comprehensive sexuality education, elimination of harmful practices, empowerment and inclusion of adolescents, and ending abuse and exploitation.
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
Yes, there are indicators mentioned in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets:
- Indicator: Birth rate of 25 per 1,000 women ages 15 to 19
- Indicator: Increase in cases of pregnancies among girls ages 10 to 14
- Indicator: Incidents of sexual abuse and exploitation among adolescent girls
- Indicator: Development and implementation of programs on adolescent pregnancy prevention
- Indicator: Establishment and functioning of the Adolescent Pregnancy Prevention Inter-Agency Council
These indicators provide measurable data to track progress in reducing teenage pregnancy, improving access to reproductive health services, preventing sexual abuse, and implementing policies and programs for adolescent pregnancy prevention.
4. SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Table
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being | Target 3.7: By 2030, ensure universal access to sexual and reproductive health-care services, including for family planning, information and education, and the integration of reproductive health into national strategies and programs. | Indicator: Birth rate of 25 per 1,000 women ages 15 to 19 |
| SDG 4: Quality Education | Target 4.7: By 2030, ensure that all learners acquire the knowledge and skills needed to promote sustainable development, including, among others, through education for sustainable development and sustainable lifestyles, human rights, gender equality, promotion of a culture of peace and non-violence, global citizenship, and appreciation of cultural diversity and of culture’s contribution to sustainable development. | Indicator: Increase in cases of pregnancies among girls ages 10 to 14 |
| SDG 5: Gender Equality | Target 5.3: Eliminate all harmful practices, such as child, early and forced marriage and female genital mutilation. | Indicator: Incidents of sexual abuse and exploitation among adolescent girls |
| SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities | Target 10.2: By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic, and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion, or economic or other status. | Indicator: Development and implementation of programs on adolescent pregnancy prevention |
| SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions | Target 16.2: End abuse, exploitation, trafficking, and all forms of violence against and torture of children. | Indicator: Establishment and functioning of the Adolescent Pregnancy Prevention Inter-Agency Council |
Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.
Source: manilatimes.net
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