MANILA, Philippines– The Commission on Population and Development (CPD) has issued a report expressing concern over a significant rise in teenage pregnancies.
The report highlights an increase in live births among adolescent mothers under the age of 15, with figures climbing from 2,411 in 2019 to 3,343 in 2023, marking a 6.6 percent surge.
This trend has prompted the CPD to closely monitor the situation, describing it as alarming.
The agency attributes the rise to several factors, including limited access to education, lack of awareness about reproductive health, and restricted access to contraceptives for young girls.
The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated these issues by disrupting educational programs and healthcare services, which has further influenced the trend.
The CPD emphasizes that early pregnancies pose significant health risks to young mothers. Many of these girls face complications during childbirth due to their young age and the lack of prenatal care. Additionally, the psychological and social impact on these young mothers can be profound, affecting their education and future employment opportunities.
In response to this situation, the CPD is urging both public and private sectors to enhance educational programs focused on reproductive health.
These programs aim to equip young people with the necessary knowledge to make informed decisions about their sexual health. The CPD also advocates for expanded access to healthcare services and contraceptives to help prevent unintended pregnancies among adolescents.
