A
group of mothers and youth called on the Senate to pass the proposed bill on
Prevention of Adolescent Pregnancy (PAP) as a “Christmas gift.” Women’s groups
and reproductive health advocates trooped to the Senate last Tuesday morning to
kick off the 18-day campaign to end violence against women and children (VAWC)
as well as call for the passage of the PAP bill. They expressed support to
Senator Rise Hontiveros who is the main sponsor of the PAP bill and is head of
the committee on women and children.
“All
we want for Christmas is a PAP. For youth to enjoy the holidays and not be
burdened by teenage pregnancy,” stated Judy Ann Miranda, secretary general of
Partido Manggagawa (PM). Aside from PM Women’s Committee, members of
PM-Kabataan and Tara Kabataan, a Manila-based youth organization, also attended
the Senate mobilization.
Dressed
in Christmas-themed costumes and carrying lanterns with holiday wishes and
creative Christmas ornaments, the mothers and youth sang Christmas carols but
with lyrics modified to suit their demand against VAWC and for the passage of
PAP.
The
issue of early pregnancy has long been a concern for Filipino youth, especially
those aged 10-19 years. According to data from the Philippine Statistics
Authority in 2021, 10 percent of the total number of births in the country were
from young mothers. Despite existing programs aimed at reducing this incidence,
the numbers of early pregnancies remain high, significantly impacting the youth
in terms of their health, education, future, as well as the economy and
society.
“It
is clear that early pregnancy poses severe challenges. Many young mothers are
forced to stop their education due to the discrimination they face—not only in
schools but also on social media and even from healthcare workers. Furthermore,
early pregnancies pose health risks to these young individuals, including
complications during pregnancy, repeat pregnancies, and lack of access to
affordable and humane health services. There is also a lack of knowledge
regarding sexuality, reproductive health, and the concept of consent, which
puts the youth at risk of abusive relationships and coercive sexual encounters.
In fact, most cases of adolescent pregnancy are a result of statutory
rape—clearly a form of violence against children,” stated Eunice Santiago, an advocate
from Tara Kabataan and PM Kabataan.
She
added that “Thus, this issue is not merely due to young people's flirtations or
impulsiveness but is a social issue that requires collective action from
families, schools, the government, and the entire community. The PAP Bill aims
to protect the youth against early pregnancy and ensure that adequate support
is provided for young parents.”
Some
key objectives of this bill include:
1.
Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE): This educates individuals about
sexuality, reproductive health, consent, and respect for the body in a way that
is age- and culturally appropriate. It aims to guide the youth to avoid early
pregnancies by providing them with formal and accurate information regarding
sex and their sexuality.
2.
Social Protection Services: This includes maternal health services, home-based
schooling, PhilHealth coverage, counseling, and other services that can help
young parents recover and address the stigma or discrimination they face.
3.
Access to Reproductive Health Services: The PAP Bill ensures that youth aged
16-18 will have direct access to information and health services, along with
guidance from health workers.
Currently,
the PAP Bill has garnered sufficient support but still needs to be prioritized
in the agenda to complete the interpellation process and proceed to a vote in
the Senate.
“This is the right time to unite and strengthen the call for the passage of this law. This law is not just for young parents but also aims to protect Filipino youth from violence. The PAP Bill is a crucial step towards promoting the rights of youth and women. Through this, we ensure proper information, support, and protection for their bodies, sexuality, and future. It is time to encourage our lawmakers to prioritize the welfare of the youth and women. Let us collectively advocate for a humane, safe, and just society. Let’s support the PAP Bill—a gift of unity and responsibility for the future of youth and women!” Santiago ended.
Photos
of the Senate rally for PAP can be accessed here:
Press Release
December 2, 2024
Partido Manggagawa Kabataan, Tara Kabataan
