The number of pregnancies among girls under 15 is increasing, but Health Secretary Ted Herbosa believes the solution lies not in new laws but in better enforcement of existing ones.
Why Not a New Law?
On Sunday, Secretary Herbosa voiced his concerns about Senate Bill 1979, also known as the Adolescent Pregnancy Prevention Bill. He said the bill caused unnecessary conflict among groups, including the Catholic Church and advocacy organizations like Project Dalisay. Instead of uniting efforts, the debates over the bill have led to division.
“We already have the Reproductive Health Law of 2012 (Republic Act No. 10354). It’s a strong law that addresses issues like unplanned pregnancies and maternal deaths. The key is proper implementation, not creating more laws,” Herbosa said in an interview with Super Radyo dzBB.
A Growing Problem
Herbosa highlighted that pregnancies among girls aged 15 and below are always unplanned and are classified as “childhood pregnancies.” According to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), the number of babies born to mothers under 15 has been rising over the years:
- 2020: 2,113 births
- 2021: 2,320 births
- 2022: 3,135 births
This alarming trend emphasizes the need for action, but Herbosa insists that education, rather than legislation, is the way forward.
Senate Efforts to Improve Legislation
Senator Risa Hontiveros, chair of the Senate Women, Children, Family Relations, and Gender Equality Committee, has introduced a revised version of Senate Bill 1979. This new version includes amendments to address concerns about Comprehensive Sexual Education (CSE) and other contentious points raised by President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.
Hontiveros expressed optimism that the updated bill would effectively address the President’s concerns while promoting solutions to the issue.
The Bigger Picture
Herbosa urged the government and communities to focus on educating citizens about reproductive health and preventing unplanned pregnancies. “What’s critical is teaching everyone about the dangers of unplanned pregnancies and the rising maternal deaths due to childbirth,” he stressed.
For Herbosa, implementing the Reproductive Health Law properly is the most practical way to combat childhood pregnancies and improve the well-being of young mothers in the Philippines.
