Save The Children Philippines urges Senate to swiftly pass bill to prevent adolescent pregnancy

Senate of the Philippines – Save the Children Philippines urges the Senate to pass the Teenage Pregnancy Prevention Bill without delay to address the escalating teenage pregnancy crisis in the country, especially among children aged 15 and below.

Every day, more than 500 adolescents in the Philippines become mothers, a harsh and disturbing reality that includes girls as young as 10. Save the Children Philippines, the country’s leading independent children’s organization, warns that these alarming numbers are not just statistics; they represent the stolen childhoods of countless young girls.

The country has seen a disturbing 35% increase in live births among those aged 15 and under from 2021 to 2022. These pregnancies trap thousands of young Filipino girls in a brutal cycle of poverty, discrimination and lost opportunities. Forced to abandon their education and take on the burdensome responsibilities of parenthood, these girls are robbed of their future.

“These figures tell a heartbreaking story of young lives derailed by circumstances beyond their control. Girls as young as 10 are thrust into the role of mothers when they are still children themselves,” said Wilma Banaga, Child Protection Advisor at Save the Children Philippines.

As the Philippines commemorates the 34th anniversary of the ratification of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child in August, Save the Children emphasizes that the passage of the Adolescent Pregnancy Bill is not only necessary but also a moral obligation for the Philippine government to uphold the rights of every Filipino child.

“The fear of discrimination and stigma forces many young people to hide their pregnancies, cutting them off from essential health care and support,” said Sydney, a youth advocate.

“It is crucial that adolescents are educated about their sexual and reproductive health and rights and have access to quality services that empower them to make informed choices. No young person should be forced to sacrifice their future because of an unintended pregnancy. We urge lawmakers to prioritize the passage of the Adolescent Pregnancy Prevention Bill to ensure that every young Filipino can realize their full potential.”

The Adolescent Pregnancy Prevention Bill is scheduled for Senate hearing on August 19 and awaits second reading approval. Third reading in the House of Representatives has already been approved.

“Adolescent pregnancies are often the result of coercion and imbalances of power between young girls and older men. Passing this law is essential not only to educate and empower our youth, but also to protect them from exploitation and ensure they receive the support they need to reclaim their youth and build a better future,” Banaga added.

Save the Children Philippines joins the country in urging the Philippine government to accelerate the passage of this crucial bill, paving the way for a safer, fairer and more promising future – for and with children.

About Save the Children Philippines

Save the Children Philippines is committed to ensuring that every child has the opportunity to survive, learn and be protected at all times. Through our programs and advocacy efforts, we work to create a world where children’s rights are fully respected and upheld.
According to the UNFPA policy brief of January 202, more than 500 adolescents become pregnant and give birth every day. Source: https://philippines.unfpa.org/sites/default/files/pub-pdf/UNFPA_Policy_Brief_Teenage_Pregnancy_%282020-01-24%29.pdf
The total number of live births among girls aged 15 and under increased by 35% from 2,320 live births in 2021 to 3,135 births in 2022 – Philippine Statistics Authority. Source: https://psa.gov.ph/
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Save The Children Philippines urges Senate to swiftly pass bill to prevent adolescent pregnancy

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