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March 21, 2023

Teenage pregnancy is a global concern that occurs across all communities. Though more prevalent in marginalized communities, it's an overall societal concern that teenagers from all walks of life - this is because of the lack of information and education on reproductive and sexual health and rights. 

 

It's important for girls to have the autonomy to make choices regarding their bodies and futures, comprehend the consequences of teenage pregnancy, and be provided with adequate healthcare services and comprehensive education on sexuality.

 

In this article, we'll be diving much deeper into understanding teenage pregnancy and how we, as a society, can assist or support teenagers. 

 

Teenage Pregnancy in the Philippines: What Statistics Say

 

Understanding teenage pregnancy also means understanding how common it is in the Philippines. Though it has declined according to survey results released by the Philippine Statistics Authority in January 2023, it's still a common occurrence in our society these days - this is important to know so that we don't prejudice teenage moms who have or are currently pregnant. 

 

The prevalence of teenage pregnancy in Filipino women aged 15 to 19 years decreased from 8.6 percent in 201

 

7 to 5.4 percent in 2022. Among those who have ever been pregnant, the highest percentage was recorded in 19-year-old women (13.3%), followed by those aged 18 years (5.9%) and 17 years (5.6%). On the other hand, the lowest percentage of teenage pregnancies occurred in 16-year-old women (1.7%), followed by those aged 15 years (1.4%).

 

As of 2022, 5.4 percent of Filipino women aged 15 to 19 have experienced pregnancy, with 1.6 percent currently pregnant and 0.4 percent having experienced pregnancy loss.

 

Image from the Philippine Statistics Authority

 

The National Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS) conducted in the Philippines in 2022 revealed that educational attainment has an inverse relationship with teenage pregnancy. The survey found that teenage pregnancy was most common among women aged 15 to 19 years who had primary education or completed grade levels 1 to 6, with a percentage of 19.1%. The percentage of teenage pregnancy decreased as educational attainment increased, with 5.3% among those who completed grade levels 7 to 10, 4.8% among those with completed grade levels 11 to 12, and 1.9% for those who attained college level. This highlights the importance of education in reducing teenage pregnancy rates in the Philippines.

 

The 2022 NDHS conducted by the Philippine Statistics Authority interviewed a total of 27,821 women aged 15 to 49 years from 30,372 sample households. The survey provides estimates at the national level, urban and rural areas, and each of the 17 regions in the Philippines. The Government of the Philippines provided the funding for the survey, with technical assistance from The DHS Program, a USAID-funded project that provides support and technical assistance in the implementation of population and health surveys worldwide. The final report of the survey is expected to be released in 2023, which will provide a comprehensive analysis of the data collected.

 

The Possible Causes of Teenage Pregnancy 

 

There are a couple of possible causes that can lead to teenage pregnancy. In some cultures and traditions, there are practices that lead to early marriage that can then lead to early pregnancy. In some cases, it is acceptable but it still poses a concern. 

Apart from tradition, here are the possible causes of teenage pregnancy: 

 

Low Socio-Economic Status

 

Teen pregnancy is more common among low-income families, which often lack resources to properly raise a child. This situation can lead to low educational goals and less involvement from parents, resulting in a negative environment that predisposes teens to drug and alcohol use, poor school performance, and socializing with similarly troubled youth. Low family connectedness and prevalent abuse further isolate adolescents and contribute to poor decision making. The lack of education and knowledge about contraception among these teens increases the likelihood of unprotected and unsafe sexual activity and multiple partners, resulting in increased chances of pregnancy.

 

Drugs and Alcohol

 

In adolescence, teenagers often partake in social gatherings and parties where they frequently experiment with drugs and alcohol with their peers. However, they may not fully comprehend the detrimental effects of these substances on their brain functioning, particularly the dangers of binge drinking. Engaging in excessive drinking and drug experimentation may also increase the likelihood of unintended pregnancy. These substances can impair a teenager's ability to think logically and perform general cognitive tasks, increasing the chances of engaging in unprotected and unsafe sexual activity.

 

Image from Rappler

 

Media Influence

 

TV shows such as "Teen Mom" and "16 and Pregnant" have a significant influence on teen pregnancy rates. These programs often romanticize the experience of pregnancy and conceal the difficulties associated with it, leading some teenage girls to intentionally get pregnant. Some girls may see pregnancy as a way to drop out of high school or to coerce their partners into a deeper commitment. Others may become pregnant as a form of rebellion to demonstrate their independence and control over their lives. These shows promote the idea that having a child can lead to a more mature lifestyle, with greater responsibility and decision-making power.

 

Peer Pressure and Sexual Abuse

 

Sexual abuse and peer pressure are significant factors contributing to teenage pregnancy. An older male partner may coerce or force adolescent females to engage in unprotected sex, leading to unintended pregnancy. Within relationships, partners may pressure each other to have unsafe sex as a way to express their love, leading to unintended pregnancy. Sexual abuse during childhood has also been linked to later teen pregnancies, as these young individuals may be unable to report the abuse and carry the trauma into adolescence.

 

The Effects of Teenage Pregnancy 

 

In terms of effects, we'll look at it how it can affect the mother and the child. As these two parties are the ones mostly affected by teenage pregnancy, we'll take a look at how it can affect them: 

 

The Child 

 

The child of a teen mother is very likely to live in poverty because of its mother's lack of financial resources. In many cases, the birth of this child becomes the beginning of a perpetual cycle. The child is likely to endure many of the same issues its mother did in her childhood, including growing up in poverty and poor conditions, missing a father figure, having fewer role models, and confiding in other children in the same situation. The child's academic success is further compromised, as they do not strive to achieve much academically, have social problems, and are unable to make friends easily. Poor relationship development can be linked to the child being deprived economically and educationally, leading to a higher likelihood of dropping out of high school and succumbing to drug and alcohol use. Unfortunately, this cycle is likely to repeat itself over and over.

 

Additionally, children born to teen mothers are likely to suffer health risks compared to those born to adults. These children are more susceptible to cognitive impairment and behavioral issues. They are likely to be born underweight and prematurely, which is detrimental to their health and may even result in infant mortality. Therefore, teen pregnancy not only has long-term consequences for the mother, but also for the child, who may face a lifetime of challenges and setbacks.

 

Image from Plan International

 

The Mother 

 

Teen mothers face numerous challenges due to becoming pregnant during adolescence. They are likely to drop out of school, have limited job opportunities, and rely on welfare, which leads to poor living conditions. These young girls often lose contact with their social groups and suffer from heightened health risks due to lack of education on healthy habits during pregnancy. Teen mothers are unable to fully develop a sense of self-identity and often develop depression, which increases their risk of suicide. In addition, there is often a lack of social support from the father of the child, which leads to tension and conflict in the relationship.

 

Moreover, teen mothers often have limited access to prenatal care, leading to health concerns for both the mother and child. This lack of care can also result in unsafe abortions, which pose a risk to the mother's health and even her life. These issues highlight the need for education and resources for teen mothers to support their physical, emotional, and social well-being.

 

How Can We Assist and Support Teenage Mothers? 

 

While there are several negative aspects related to teenage pregnancy, certain factors may enhance the teen's capacity to be a parent.

 

Here are some ways that the society or an individual can assist or support teenage mothers:

 

Family and Peer Support

 

Teen mothers who have the support of their parents and maintain social connections with their peers are more likely to increase their resilience. This support and connection greatly influences the mother's attitude and adaptation to her new role in life. In addition, graduating from high school instead of dropping out is also a protective factor that increases teen mother resiliency. However, the most important factor is the support of the teen mother's own mother. Emotional support and financial aid from the mother of the teen can be extremely helpful, as well as assisting her daughter with child-rearing responsibilities.

 

Overall, the support of family and friends, as well as completing high school, can greatly improve the resilience of teen mothers. However, the support of the teen mother's own mother is the most important factor in ensuring a successful transition into parenthood.

 

Image from the Philippine Star

 

Education and Knowledge

 

The presence of a reliable and trustworthy adult, education about the body, a healthy and positive environment, unconditional love and support, and open communication are all critical factors in reducing the likelihood of teen pregnancy. By providing these protective factors, parents and other adults can help ensure that children and adolescents are equipped with the knowledge and support they need to make informed decisions about their sexual health and future.

 

The truth is, teenage pregnancy can happen to anyone, regardless of their background or upbringing. However, it can be avoided if we prioritize educating ourselves and those around us about safe sex practices, contraception, and reproductive health. Providing access to comprehensive sex education can equip young people with the knowledge and tools they need to make informed decisions about their bodies and relationships.

 

It's time to break the cycle of shame and silence surrounding teenage pregnancy and start having honest and open conversations. By promoting a culture of education and support, we can empower young people to take control of their reproductive health and make choices that align with their goals and aspirations. Let's work together to create a world where every individual has the opportunity to make informed decisions about their bodies and futures.