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POPCOM Reminds Us to be Vigilant About Teenage Pregnancies
The Commission on Population and Development said that while teenage pregnancies have decreased because of the pandemic, stakeholders should continue to be vigilant.
The Commission on Population and Development (POPCOM) reminded the public to be vigilant despite a recent study that the University of the Philippines Population Institute (UPPI) has released. The study shows that the number of teenage pregnancies decreased in the country.
POPCOM was referring to the results of the 2021 Young Adult Fertility and Sexuality Study (YAFS5). Many consider this a comprehensive study and source of information. Not only on the sexual and fertility status but also the behaviors of young people. In fact, it shows that young women between the age of 15 to 19 who give birth have declined by 13.7% in 2013 to 6.8% in 2021.
POPCOM: More people are informed
In a statement, POPCOM Officer in Charge-Executive Director (OIC-ED) Lolito R. Tacardon said that the results are from the effort of various groups and sectors. They worked together to create more awareness of teenage pregnancy issues.
“While the study was conducted during the pandemic, the reduction in teenage pregnancy numbers implies that young people can make informed and responsible decisions about their sexuality, given an enabling environment,” Tacardon said.
“The Covid-19 health crisis presented extraordinary circumstances. Young people were forced to spend months indoors—with their movements curtailed by government-imposed lockdowns. This limited their interactions with peers and partners.”
Although figures have slid, it’s also worth noting that there is a certain increase in regions such as Davao and Bangsamoro. Each one registered at 13.6% and 10% respectively. Those recorded in the Eastern Visayas, on the other hand, are expecting at the time of the results.
An alarming increase among minors
Moreover, Tacardon called for the vigilance of the increasing live births among young adolescents that was not part of the study.
“The latest data by the Civil Registry and Vital Statistics, or CRVS, registered a high number of live births among minors. Most specifically among 10 to 14 years old. Their condition still requires collective attention from concerned authorities. Especially national agencies and local government units, which can influence and reverse the alarming statistics.”
He also called for intensified monitoring as the youth slowly return to their normal lives as restrictions ease.
“As they gradually return to their normal activities, we should not let our guards down. It should give us more resolve to strengthen and sustain our efforts in providing age-appropriate comprehensive sex education and information. This, as well as access to reproductive health services among adolescents. We deem this will sustain, or further accelerate, the decline in adolescent pregnancy percentages.”
Be informed about issues affecting the youth today:
Awareness is Key to Fighting Teenage Pregnancy
How We Can Talk To Our Teens About Pregnancy
Parent and Teen Communication: Keeping the Lines Open With Your Teen
