THE Forum for Family Planning and Development, a non-governmental organization of health, population, economics, and social development experts, has raised urgent concerns about the spread of misinformation against Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE).
The Forum reaffirmed its commitment to supporting government agencies and legislative advocates in promoting the rights of young Filipinos to life-saving, age-appropriate CSE. On Feb. 5, the group will join fellow advocates in a social mobilization event, urging public support.
Data from the Philippine Statistics Authority revealed that in 2023, one in every 10 pregnancies involved teenagers. Alarmingly, 3,343 girls under the age of 15 gave birth in the same year, continuing an upward trend in adolescent pregnancies.
“As a nation, we should be alarmed,” said Kevin de Vera, director for programs and advocacy at The Forum. “All teenage pregnancies are high-risk. A teenage girl’s body is not physically ready for pregnancy, leading to life-threatening complications and socioeconomic challenges for families.”
Dr. Ernesto Pernia, former socioeconomic planning secretary and a trustee of The Forum, described the issue as a national social emergency.
“These cases are not just statistics—they represent a crisis. Early pregnancies perpetuate poverty cycles and limit opportunities for young women. CSE is not just academic; it's a necessary intervention to equip adolescents with the knowledge to make informed decisions about their reproductive health,” Pernia said.
Pernia had previously declared teen pregnancy a national social emergency in 2019, supporting legislative measures to address the issue.
Former Health Secretary Dr. Jaime Galvez-Tan echoed this concern, calling adolescent pregnancy a public health crisis.
“Lack of education and reproductive health services leads to poor maternal health outcomes. School-based CSE is a life-saving tool that empowers youth to control their future,” Galvez-Tan said.
Social scientist Dr. Corazon Raymundo, president of The Forum and Pasig City councilor, emphasized the urgency of the situation.
“For decades, data has shown the need to address adolescent reproductive health. The time for debate has passed; the time for action is now,” Raymundo said.
The Forum called on policymakers, educators, and communities to stand firm in ensuring young people receive the education and support needed to make informed decisions about their reproductive health. They pointed out the importance of combating misinformation with facts and a commitment to protecting the nation’s youth.
