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Teenage pregnancy is when a woman under 20 gets pregnant.

It usually refers to teens


between the ages of 15-19. But it can include girls as young as 10. It’s also called teen
pregnancy or adolescent pregnancy. According to the Philippines Statistics Authority Teenage
pregnancy among Filipino women aged 15 to 19 years declined from 8.6 percent in 2017 to 5.4
percent in 2022. Among women aged 15 to 19 years who have ever been pregnant as of 2022,
the highest percentage was recorded in woman aged 19 years (13.3%). This was followed by
women aged 18 years (5.9%) and women aged 17 years (5.6%). As expected, the lowest
percentage of women aged 15 to 19 years who have begun childbearing was for those who
were aged 16 years (1.7%), followed by women aged 15 years (1.4%). Teenage pregnancy
rates are increasing, which is a serious issue that has to be solved. To support young people
through their way through the difficulties of early motherhood, it is important that society
understand the fundamental causes of this problem and discover practical solutions.

Socioeconomic Impacts
Teenage pregnancy can have profound socioeconomic consequences, particularly for
young mothers that are mostly at the age of 15-19 year’s old. “The United Nations Population
Fund (UNPF), back in 2019, said the Philippines has one of the highest teenage pregnancy
rates among ASEAN member states, with over 500 teens becoming pregnant and giving birth
every day”. Disruptions to educational attainment and limited access to economic opportunities
can perpetuate cycles of poverty and social marginalization. Furthermore, the financial burden
of raising a child at a young age can exacerbate existing financial challenges, further limiting the
prospects of teenage parents and their families. Comprehensive support systems, including
educational and vocational assistance, are crucial to mitigate these impacts.

One of the main concerns surrounding the increasing rates of teenage pregnancy is the
potential impact on the health and well-being of both the teenage mothers and their babies.
Young mothers may face an increased risk of complications during pregnancy and childbirth due
to their bodies not yet being fully physically developed. This can lead to higher rates of maternal
and infant mortality, underscoring the urgent need for comprehensive support and healthcare
services for adolescent mothers.
In addition to health risks, teenage pregnancy can also impact the educational
opportunities and economic prospects of young parents. Many teenage mothers may find
themselves forced to drop out of school to care for their child, limiting their access to higher
education and better job prospects. This cycle of limited educational and economic opportunities
can perpetuate the cycle of poverty for young parents and their children, making it crucial to
address teenage pregnancy as a multifaceted societal issue.

Furthermore, the increasing rate of adolescent pregnancies highlight how important it is


for young people to have access to comprehensive sex education and reproductive health
services. Teens can be empowered to make decisions about their sexual health and avoid
unwanted pregnancies by being given accurate information on family planning, safe sex
practices, and contraception. We may attempt to lower the number of adolescent pregnancies
and promote the wellbeing of teenagers in our communities by supporting youth resources and
education.

In conclusion, the increasing rates of teenage pregnancy require a concerted effort to


address the complex challenges faced by young parents and their families. By prioritizing
access to healthcare, education, and support services for teenagers, we can create a more
supportive environment for adolescent mothers and work towards preventing unintended
pregnancies in the future. It is essential for policymakers, healthcare providers, educators, and
communities to collaborate on solutions that empower young individuals to make informed
choices about their reproductive health and well-being.

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