🇵🇭Philippines' teenage pregnancy the highest in Asia | Al Jazeera English

Summary

Teenage pregnancy rates in the Philippines have surged, contrasting the global decline, with the UN citing government cuts and lack of sex education as contributing factors. Vanessa, a 20-year-old mother of three, exemplifies the issue, having received no family planning advice or contraception. Despite the 2012 reproductive health law, which mandates sex education and access to contraception, budget cuts hinder progress. The Philippines, with a population over 100 million, grapples with addressing this escalating problem, with the government deferring action until after the May elections.

Takeaways

• 📉 Teenage pregnancy rates have generally declined worldwide over the past two decades, except in the Philippines.
• 🏛 Recent government cuts in the Philippines are exacerbating the issue of teenage pregnancies.
• 👶 Vanessa, a 20-year-old from a low-income family, is a mother of three due to lack of family planning advice and contraception.
• 📊 The Philippines tops the list of Asian countries with the highest number of teenage pregnancies, according to the UN.
• 🔢 Multiple partners and low condom use are cited as factors for the increase in birth rates among teenagers.
• 👩‍👧‍👦 One in ten young Filipino women aged 15 to 19 is already a mother, double the rate of a decade ago.
• 🏫 In 2012, the Supreme Court ruled in favor of implementing the reproductive health law, providing low-income earners with family planning services and free contraception.
• 🏛 Despite Catholic Church opposition, public surveys suggest widespread support for family planning in the Philippines.
• 💰 A significant budget for family planning initiatives has been reduced, impacting efforts to address teenage pregnancies.
• 👦👧 There is a call for sex education programs in schools that are equally accessible for both boys and girls.
• 🌐 The Philippine government is looking to private donors for funds for contraception amid a growing population and persistent issue of teenage pregnancies.

Q & A

What is the trend in teenage pregnancy rates globally over the last two decades according to the UN?

The trend in teenage pregnancy rates has been a decline over the last two decades globally, with the exception of the Philippines.

What challenges have been faced by Vanessa, a 20-year-old mother of three from a low-income family in the Philippines?

Vanessa, coming from a low-income family, was not provided with family planning advice or offered contraception methods, leading to multiple pregnancies from unsafe sex.

What was the significant ruling by the Supreme Court of the Philippines in 2012 related to reproductive health?

In 2012, the Supreme Court ruled that it was constitutional to implement the reproductive health law, which granted low-income earners the right to family planning services and free contraception and mandated sex education in schools.

How does the influence of the Catholic Church affect the implementation of reproductive health and sex education in the Philippines?

Despite the Catholic Church's opposition to reproductive health laws and sex education, the wider public supports family planning, and the law was upheld by the Supreme Court.

What is the current situation regarding the budget for family planning initiatives in the Philippines?

The budget of over 42 million dollars earmarked for family planning initiatives has been cut back, which is concerning to experts who advocate for a new approach to sex education.

What is the current teenage pregnancy rate among young Filipino women aged 15 to 19, and how does it compare to the rate from ten years ago?

One in ten young Filipino women in the 15 to 19 age range is already a mother, which is twice the rate of ten years ago.

What are the two main factors contributing to the increase in birth rates among teenagers in the Philippines, as mentioned in the UN report?

The two main factors contributing to the increase in birth rates are multiple partners and low condom use among teenagers.

How does the script suggest addressing the issue of teenage pregnancy in the Philippines?

The script suggests that sex education programs should be equally available for both boys and girls in schools to address the issue of teenage pregnancy.

What is the current population of the Philippines, and how does the government plan to provide better access to family planning?

The population of the Philippines is now over a hundred million. The government is trying to find ways to provide better access to family planning but is looking to private donors for funds for contraception.

What is the stance of the government regarding the practical steps to address the issue of teenage pregnancy, and when will they address it again?

The government acknowledges the issue but seems hesitant to take practical steps. They have stated that they will address the matter again after the election in May.

What does Vanessa hope for her children regarding education and family planning information?

Vanessa wants to ensure her children get a good education and, when the time comes, the best family planning information.