In response to the rising number of underage mothers, the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) and several organizations under the United Nations (UN) called for the swift passage of an Adolescent Pregnancy Prevention Law in the Philippines.
In a joint press statement released on Tuesday, August 13, KOICA with the UN Population Fund (UNFPA), UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF), and the World Health Organization (WHO) said this legislation is critical to address cases of teenage pregnancies and safeguard the future of young Filipinos.
Recent data from the Philippines’ Commission on Population and Development revealed a 10.2% increase in live births among girls aged 10-19 between 2021 and 2022, underscoring the urgent need for this bill.
Although the legislation has passed the House of Representatives, its progress has stalled in the Senate, putting the health and future of countless adolescents at risk.
The proposed law aims to establish a national framework that strengthens comprehensive sexuality education and improves access to adolescent-friendly sexual and reproductive health services.
The initiative is part of a broader effort, with UN agencies collaborating on the KOICA-funded Joint Programme on Accelerating the Reduction of Adolescent Pregnancy (JPARAP) in Southern Leyte and Samar.
The 2021 Young Adult Fertility and Sexuality Study showed that Eastern Visayas, where Samar and Southern Leyte are located, has one of the highest rates of 15 to 19-year-old female youths that had begun childbearing, according to the organizations.
“Having legislation that ensures access to essential reproductive health services is a crucial step towards a more equitable and sustainable future, where every young person can thrive and reach their full potential,” said Gustavo González, UN Resident Coordinator in the Philippines.
“Adolescent pregnancy is also not just a health issue, but a social and economic one as well. This bill will help us address the root causes of adolescent pregnancy, including lack of access to education and health services,” he noted.
KOICA, marking 30 years of partnership with the Philippines and celebrating 75 years of Korea-Philippines diplomatic relations, expressed strong support for the bill. “Investing in young people is essential for sustainable development,” said KOICA Country Director Kim Eunsub.
“This bill will make us more inspired to strengthen our assistance to the country’s health projects. We assure you of KOICA’s continuing support and commitment not only for better health and well-being, but also a brighter future for young Filipinos,” he added.
UNFPA Philippines Country Representative Dr. Leila Saiji Joudane stressed the necessity of the bill to remove barriers to healthcare access. Currently, young people under 18 require written parental consent for family planning services, which can significantly hinder their access to essential care.
“Having a comprehensive framework to address this urgent issue and to protect the sexual and reproductive health and rights of young Filipinos, will help empower adolescents to make informed choices about their bodies and pave the way for better futures,” she said.
The WHO added that adolescent pregnancy is a global health and development priority. Dr. Graham Harrison, officer-in-charge of WHO Philippines, noted that rights-based policies and community-based care are essential for scaling up interventions and driving collective action.”
KOICA and the UN agencies are calling on all stakeholders, including government agencies, civil society organizations, and the youth, to rally behind the passage of the Adolescent Pregnancy Prevention Law to secure a healthier and more prosperous future for the country’s youth.
