MITIGATING TEENAGE PREGNANCY: SPREADING AWARENESS TO ALL

 

WHO IS IMPACTED?

 

Nowadays, Teenage Pregnancy has been evident in the Philippines. It is alarming that the rates of this is getting higher and higher. The World Health Organization said studies related to teenage pregnancies in low- and middle-income countries indicate that levels, especially of risks, tend to be higher among those with less education or of low economic status.

Teenage pregnancy was determined to be a “national and social emergency” by the National Economic and Development Authority in 2019. In a nationwide survey commissioned by the Commission on Population and Development in November 2020 among adults 18 years old and above, the issue of pregnancies among adolescents figured prominently as the most mentioned in all geographic areas and across socioeconomic group. 

Philippine Statistics Authority latest data with 27, 821 being the respondents, 5.4 percent have been pregnant in 2022--about 1.6 percent of them are currently pregnant while 0.4 percent have had a pregnancy loss. 

In 2022, a total of 3135 adolescent girls younger than 15 years old gave birth—a 35.13% increase from the 2320 recorded in 2021.

 

 

With these alarming rates, teenage girls must always be perilous to avoid things that cannot be reversed. The government also administers it to help educate young ones before having sex, and make sure they are wearing protection or have used contraceptives.

Adolescents may readily understand and comprehend what this instruction is actually about. Sex education must be linked to the educational system at the appropriate time and for the appropriate audience. This has the benefit of raising awareness since it helps young people avoid this fundamental problem in our society. 

Children and young people who receive sex education are better able to safeguard their health, form healthy social and sexual relationships, make responsible decisions, and recognize and defend the rights of others. Research continuously demonstrates that receiving high-quality sex education has a favorable, lifetime impact on one's health. When young people are better informed about their sexuality, sexual health, and their rights, they are more likely to postpone having sex and, when they do, to have safer sex. 

Along with educating kids about respect, consent, and where to go for help, sexuality education also helps them manage and get ready for physical and emotional changes as they mature, including puberty and adolescence. Consequently, there are fewer chances of abuse, exploitation, and violence. 

The Responsible Parenthood and Reproductive Health Act of 2012, also known as the RH law is a law signed by the late president, Benigno Aquino III that seeks to address responsible parenthood and reproductive health. This law suggests:

-        Family Planning: Accredited public health centers are required under the RH Law to provide a variety of family planning options, including contraception.

-        - Sex Education: The RH law mandates overarching sex education for adolescents. 

WHAT IS AT STAKE?

 

 

The future of young girls is at stake with this alarming issue as they are not yet fully prepared to take on greater responsibility. Some might be students, hence hindering them from achieving their dreams and shattering the opportunity given to them. Its negative effects are:

-         Mental Health – it can be ruined by thinking about what to do with the unborn child inside them and how to raise it which might cause psychological disturbances. 

-        Health Risks - Eclampsia, puerperal endometritis, and systemic infections are more common in adolescent moms. Preterm birth, low birth weight, and serious neonatal disorders are more likely to affect their babies. Compared to women between the ages of 20 and 30, mothers under the age of 15 are twice as likely to die from problems during pregnancy or childbirth.

-        Social and Financial Problems – Most teenage moms are easily judged by the people around them in addition to the lack of financial stability that will seriously affect the welfare of the adolescent. 

WHY IS THE TIME TO ACT NOW?

 

 

It is the time to act now to ensure the future and betterment of young adolescents who might not be aware of this certain issue. It is also very timely, as they will have the background on the things they should do and shouldn’t. These things are the reason why it is the time to act now:

-        Solving Health Problems – This would be a big help in solving health crises of health complications and unwanted abortions that might risk the health of young teenagers. 

-        Gaining Knowledge about Limitations – Teaching the young ones early is beneficial to spread and disseminate awareness on what they should do and they shouldn’t to ensure that they won’t do things that they would regret as time is irreversible. 

-        Education and Employment – Teenage mothers are less likely to finish high school and college, thus leading to financial problems, being not economically self-sufficient, and depending only on public assistance. 

Teenage pregnancy must be prevented to give young people the chance to complete their education, create a secure future, and stay away from the detrimental effects of early parenting on their bodies, minds, and finances. Teenage pregnancy rates can be decreased with the aid of social support networks, access to contraception, and effective education.

 

STOP TEENAGE BY ALL MEANS, NO MATTER WHAT IT TAKES!