Manila: The Commission on Population and Development (CPD) called for urgent action to address the rising number of pregnancies among girls aged 10 to 14.
According to Philippines News Agency, CPD spokesperson Myline Mirasol Quiray expressed dismay over the trend during an interview on Bagong Pilipinas, emphasizing the need for focused attention. Quiray highlighted a case involving an 8-year-old girl who gave birth at 9, underscoring the seriousness of the issue.
Data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) indicates that pregnancies in the 10 to 14 age group surged to over 3,300 cases in 2023, a significant increase from over 2,000 cases in 2019. In contrast, pregnancies among 15- to 19-year-olds have declined from 178,000 in 2019 to 138,000 in 2023.
Quiray identified sexual abuse and coercion as primary contributors to early pregnancies, noting that the age of sexual consent in the Philippines is 16. She pointed to factors such as exploitation, lack of informed consent, insufficient sex education, increased pornography exposure, and unregulated social media content as risks for young girls.
The World Health Organization has warned about severe health risks associated with early adolescent pregnancies, as young girls are often not physically ready for childbirth. These risks include obstetric fistula, eclampsia, puerperal endometritis, and systemic infections. Maternal conditions are a leading cause of disability-adjusted life years and death among girls aged 15 to 19 globally.
To combat this issue, the CPD advocates for comprehensive reproductive health education in schools, focusing on body awareness, consent, and protection. CPD Executive Director Lisa Grace Bersales emphasized the implementation of the Philippine Population and Development Plan of Action 2023, approved by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Nov. 14, 2023. This plan outlines strategies to advance the health and development of young Filipinos, with a focus on preventing early parenthood.
Bersales stressed the importance of addressing early teen pregnancies at the household level, reminding parents and guardians of their critical role in shaping their children’s future.
