Teenage Pregnancy and its Impact on Teens below 20 years old in the Philippines

1. Introduction

The phenomenon of teenage pregnancy is not new; it has a long historical context, with

motherhood generally shifting from the teenage years to the mid-twenties. The subsiding of

teenage pregnancy in Europe and the Western parts of the world is due to the increased use of

contraception, which reduces the chances of young females getting pregnant. However, in

developed and developing countries, rates remain high, especially in Southeast Asia. Such high

rates of pregnancy in teenagers could be attributed to many factors. These factors may include

the lack of sexual education, access to contraception, sexual violence and abuse, peer pressure,

the use of drugs and alcohol, the culture in which the teenager lives, and the strictness of the law

and the practices of the people in that particular place. Most of the time, teenage pregnancy is

unexpected, as the teenager has not reached the appropriate age to engage in sexual activities and

become a parent. Moreover, it is also a great disappointment in most cases when the teenager is

doing her very best to build her future and this sudden pregnancy may be the obstacle that

stumbles and falls that dream of what could have been a likely better life for herself. There are

also those teenagers who are so frightened to tell others of their pregnancy because of the fear of

being scolded for what she has committed. Some may choose to give birth to the baby but the

chances of being a single parent are so great, with the hormonal, emotional, and economic needs

which are yet to be met for the mother and the baby. Some may also consider abortion but that

may trap her into an emotional abuse cycle. And when teenage pregnancy is at last realized and

accepted, they may face problems involving their future; whether their partners will stay

by/committed or will they be able to seek support from family members or even follow their

ambitions that need to be achieved. This study focuses on the major and minor impacts of
teenage pregnancy on teenagers below 20 years old in the Philippines. This research is for

teenagers between the ages of 15 to 19 years old and also the new teenage mothers as the

respondents. The reason for the researchers choosing this group is mainly focused on the impacts

of teenage pregnancy on teenagers below 20 years old in the Philippines. So, this research will

discuss the major impacts of teenage pregnancy on teenagers and the minor impacts of teenage

pregnancy that will affect teenagers in their lives. The significance of this is to find out the major

impacts and the minor impacts of teenagers on the social, economic, and future of young mothers

in the Philippines. As we all know, teenagers are the generation that will bring development to

the future of society. So, this research will bring a better understanding to teenagers about the

major impacts and minor impacts of teenage pregnancy and provide guidance and share

knowledge on the prevention of teenage pregnancy with every teenager in society. The research

objective is to seek the major and minor impacts of teenage pregnancy on teenagers and to

identify and analyze the reasons why teenagers still insist on engaging in sexual intercourse and

the reasons why students are unwilling to have pregnancy prevention in the early stage when

teenagers are having sexual intercourse in the society. Next is to find out the three main factors

that would cause teenage pregnancy and to determine the best way to promote strategies for the

prevention of teenage pregnancy among teenagers in society. Next is to deliver appropriate

formal information to teenagers regarding the prevention of teenage pregnancy and also to

promote awareness of contraception methods in society. This objective is to ensure that teenagers

take the prevention of teenage pregnancy seriously when they are engaging in sexual intercourse

in the community. Then, to provide a suitable solution to the government to formulate strategies

for the prevention of teenage pregnancy in society. And the last is to amplify the welfare of the

problem of teenage pregnancy in society. Teenage pregnancy is one of the important concerns in
many countries, including the Philippines. It is unplanned and is a social problem. It shortens

adolescents' childhoods and jeopardizes their right to a safe transition to adulthood before they

are developmentally, emotionally, and socially prepared. The transition to parenthood requires

physical, psychological, social, and cognitive readiness; however, many teenagers enter the role

of raising babies inadequately prepared. The National Demographic and Health Survey (2013)

researched that 38% of teenage pregnancies occur in the Caraga region. 14% of Filipino girls

aged 15 to 19 are either pregnant for the first time or are already mothers, more than twice the

reported rate (YAFS, 2014). One of the key factors contributing to teenage pregnancy is the lack

of comprehensive sex education. Many schools and communities fail to provide accurate

information about contraception, safe sex practices, and the emotional aspects of intimate

relationships. This knowledge gap leaves teenagers poorly equipped to make informed decisions

about their sexual health and can lead to unintended pregnancies. Furthermore, societal factors

such as peer pressure, media influence, and the portrayal of unrealistic expectations surrounding

relationships can contribute to early sexual activity and teenage pregnancy. The Office for

Population, which is traditionally focused on maternal health and child survival, is starting to

recognize the need to treat teenage pregnancy as a social and economic issue as well.

Background information about teenage pregnancy is given in the beginning, along with a focus

on its importance and frequency. Using information from the Philippine Health Social Survey

conducted in 2013, the Philippines has the highest rate of teenage pregnancies among ASEAN

nations. The same survey revealed that 23% of women aged 15-19 - one in every four teenagers

had begun childbearing. The survey also found that unintended pregnancy is more common

among adolescents than any other age group; most adolescent mothers have already been

pregnant at least once before. These facts highlight that teenage pregnancy is a social problem
that needs to be addressed. It is also a significant public health issue because of the large number

of unintended pregnancies among adolescents. As the government public health office, the

Office for Population seeks to focus on the disadvantages of teenage pregnancy to mother, baby,

family, and society, to find the gaps in the services that are offered concerning teenage

pregnancy, and to help our policymakers to come up with a strategy to address the problem. The

current sexual and reproductive health services are generally designed to meet the needs of adult

patients, and this research explicitly looks at the services to young people. It also looks at how

the current services fail to recognize the preference young women have in managing their

pregnancy. From a more general point of view, finding out the main reasons leading to teenage

pregnancy may help health professionals in anticipating reproductive health needs and actions

may be taken to help teenagers engage in health-enhancing behaviors and avoid health-

compromising activities in the early stages of their life. It can also help policymakers and health

educators to develop appropriate strategies and determine the type of family life education,

which should be incorporated into health education programs. The insight provided in the

research findings may also help the community. Addressing teenage pregnancy requires a multi-

dimensional approach that focuses on education, access to healthcare, and supportive initiatives.

Comprehensive and inclusive sex education programs should be an integral part of school

curriculums, providing students with the necessary knowledge and skills to make responsible

choices about their sexual behaviors. Equally important is ensuring access to affordable and

confidential reproductive healthcare services, including contraception, prenatal care, and

counseling. Society must also work to reduce the stigma surrounding teenage pregnancy and

provide support systems that empower young parents to pursue their goals and create a positive

future for themselves and their children.