Of Safe Sex and Teenage Pregnancy: Contraceptive Use in the Philippines

Sese, Stephanie Grace A. | 4 December 2019

Introduction

The issue of the lack of use of contraception in the Philippines can lead to more teenage

pregnancy, which can lead to young girls being forced to leave school and to higher maternal

mortality rates in the country. According to the Philippines National Demographic and Health

Survey 2017 (NDHS 2017) by the Philippine Statistics Authority, 9% of girls aged 15 to 19

had begun childbearing that year. While this shows a decrease from the percentage of 10% in

2013, this is still a considerably large number of teenage girls getting pregnant. (PSA, 2018)

With this epidemic on the rise, there is a need to implement proper sexuality education in

schools that shall educate students about the benefits and use of contraception in order to

prevent accidental pregnancies from happening. However, too few Filipinos use contraceptives

when engaging in intercourse, opening up opportunities for diseases and pregnancy. According

to the PhilCare Wellness Index (2019), out of 1,350 respondents nationwide, 820 confirmed

that they were sexually active. However, only 12.84% admitted to using contraception to avoid

unplanned pregnancy. (Crisostomo, 2019) This shows a lack of knowledge or awareness on the

importance of contraception in one’s sex life. The lack of awareness on the topic can be traced

back to the lack of sex education in the Philippines and the fact that what little sex education is

offered to students puts too much emphasis on abstinence and the religious consequences of

engaging in sexual activities.

The problem with a lack of proper sexuality education in the Philippines could be linked

to its predominantly Catholic background. The Catholic Church here in the Philippines has

rather conservative, traditional views on sex, thus why there is a stigma against discussions

regarding reproductive health in general. Though the Responsible Parenthood and

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Reproductive Health Act was signed in 2012 and fully commenced in 2013, it has not been

fully implemented yet due to religious and pro-life groups sounding out their disagreements

with the law. (Santelices, 2019) This shows how much influence the Church has on the current

affairs of the country and how willing this religious institution is to go so far as to barricade

women from full rights to their bodily autonomy in order to promote their outdated beliefs.

Due to the lack of knowledge regarding safe sex and the proper use of contraception,

more young girls are forced to drop out of school and get married due to underage pregnancy.

According to the 2017 Annual Poverty Indicators Survey (APIS) conducted by the Philippine

Statistics Authority, out of over 11 million school dropouts aged 6 to 24 years old, 37.2% of

females indicated that their reason for not attending school was “marriage or family matters.”

This is much higher than the percentage of respondents who indicated “lack of personal

interest” (8.4%) or “financial concern” (11.7%). (PSA, 2018) According to Laguna 3rd District

Rep. Sol Aragones, teenage pregnancy perpetuates the cycle of poverty because it robs young

parents and their children of economic opportunities because the young parents are forced to

leave their schooling in order to take care of their family. (Porcalla, 2019)

This paper argues against abstinence-based sex education and its detriment to the health

and wellbeing of young Filipinos, particularly in regard to its lack of depth on the topic of

contraception. Abstinence-only sex education is an educational program where students are

taught that abstinence from sex is the only morally acceptable and expected standard behavior

for teens. (KFF, 2018) This mindset of teaching only imposes fear and shame in students for

asking questions about sex and teaching them nothing about sexual health and conduct. It is

imperative that students are given proper knowledge about contraception so that they may be

empowered to make safe and responsible choices that will help curb the teenage pregnancy and

overpopulation crises in the Philippines.

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Unnecessary

Abstinence-only sex education overlooks young Filipinos’ rights to health by failing to

employ them with sound, medically accurate information about safe-sex practices which

should ideally help them maintain healthy relationships and lifestyles. In Article II Section 15

of the 1987 Constitution of the Republic of the Philippines, it is written that, “The State shall

protect and promote the right to health of the people and instill health consciousness among

them.” Withholding proper knowledge about reproductive health from students essentially

violates this section because they are barred from potentially life-saving sexual health

information. (Ott & Santelli, 2018)

Detrimental

Misinformation of information regarding sexual and reproductive health can pose as a

health hazard for people, whether sexually active or not. Many abstinence-only curricula in the

United States were found to disseminate scientifically inaccurate information and skewed data

regarding topics such as the effectiveness of condoms while also promoting perpetuating

unhealthy gender stereotypes. (Ott & Santelli, 2018)

The misconception that teaching students about contraception and sex in general will

lead them to experiment and engage in sexual activities is erroneous and only inclines the

teenager to feel ashamed for asking questions about or engaging in the act. This notion also

implies that teenagers are incapable of self-control when discussing topics related to sexual

health. National Youth Commission chairperson Ryan Enriquez pushed for the separation by

section of male and female students in junior and senior high school as a solution to the rise of

teenage pregnancies in the country. According to Enriquez, segregating students by sex would

make the discussion of sex education easier. Enriquez said that the presence of a classmate of

the opposite sex would pose as a distraction for students. He also implied that it is normal for

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female students to be tempted by the idea of having sex, more-so when there is a male classmate

present. (Arias, 2019) This proposal simply bars students from having a healthy relationship

with people of the opposite sex and further normalizes the false notion that sex is a taboo topic

of discussion that will corrupt the youth. It does nothing to actually prevent teenage pregnancy

because teenagers will still interact with the opposite sex and possibly even engage in the

natural act of sex, only this time they will not be equipped with proper knowledge that will

help them lessen the chances of getting pregnant.

Nonviable

Accidental pregnancies could possibly stem from a lack of proper knowledge regarding

contraception, an issue that could negatively affect a teenager’s wellbeing and education.

According to the NDHS 2017, 31.8% of women aged 15-24 who had begun childbearing only

had the educational attainment of Grades 1-6, while 4.4% finished college. Furthermore, 14.8%

of mothers aged 15-24 are in the lowest wealth quintile, while 3.2% are in the highest quintile.

This shows that early pregnancy is more common among women with less education or with

less wealth compared to those with higher education or who are well-off. The former women

are more unfortunate because they lose opportunities and chances to follow their careers or

pursue higher education to improve their quality of life due to their pregnancy and family

matters. (PSA, 2018) With this, the country cannot afford to simply rely on abstinence-only

sex education. It is imperative that the youth are given proper sex education so that these

numbers could be reduced and so that young women do not have to give up their education or

career to struggle to take care of their children.

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Proposed Solution

A proposed solution to the current overpopulation issue in the country is a

comprehensive sexuality education program that includes a lesson that properly informs them

about the different types and methods of contraception that may best fit their different lifestyles

and needs. A research published by the Public Library of Science shows that students feel more

informed and empowered to make safer choices when given comprehensive and informative

sex education, which will result in fewer unplanned pregnancies. (Stanger-Hall & Hall, 2011)

By encouraging sex education and discussing the different types of birth control and

contraception, teens are encouraged to make decisions that will positively impact their lives

and possibly even improve their communities and even the country as a whole. (Deboeuf, 2016)

Necessary

Proper sexuality education based around awareness and empowerment as opposed to

misconception and shame is impertinent to correct any misapprehensions that Filipinos initially

believed. Despite the common idea that sexuality education will promote sexual promiscuity,

reproductive health activist and founder of reproductive health organization Roots of Health

Amina Swanepoel noted during her induction as an Ashoka Fellow that young people actually

delay sex when they receive proper sexuality education. They are not as curious to engage in

sexual activities because “they know what’s happening.” (Albano, 2018) Furthermore, if

children do not receive proper knowledge about sexuality at home nor in school, they will likely

look for it from less reliable sources, such as from their peers or online. This could lead them

to believe in false assumptions about sex and sexuality. (PhilRights, 2014) For example, it is

indicated in the NDHS 2017 that the two most common misconceptions about human-

immunodeficiency virus (HIV) transmission in the Philippines are that HIV can be transmitted

through mosquito bites and that a person can be infected by sharing food with a person who

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has HIV. (PSA, 2018) It is important to inform people that these notions are incorrect and to

correct their knowledge regarding reproductive health.

Information dissemination on the benefits and use of contraceptives could not only help

curb the overpopulation epidemic in the Philippines, but it may also reduce the rising number

of cases of illegal abortions. While contraception and abortion are often linked together, these

two are very different things. An abortion is a procedure to end a pregnancy by removing the

embryo or fetus and placenta from the uterus. (MedlinePlus, n.d.) Contraceptives such as birth

control inhibit the sperm from reaching the sperm. Even “morning-after” pills, which are often

misdescribed as abortifacients, are simply high-dose birth control pills which work in various

ways to prevent fertilization. (BBC, n.d.) The act of abortion is banned criminalized in the

country under Articles 256, 258, and 259 of the Revised Penal Code of the Philippines. Women

who undergo abortion and any person who assists in the procedure could face up to six years

in prison. Abortion is allowed in practice when the pregnant person’s life is at risk, but this is

not supported by any Philippine law. (Aspinwall, 2019) Due to this abortion ban, women turn

to unsafe, painful, and even torturous methods to terminate their pregnancy. Some purchase

the abortion pill misoprostol or the menstruation-inducing herb pamparegla along the streets

outside Quiapo church. Some have their stomachs massaged hard. Some even insert coat

hangers or barbecue skewers into their wombs. (Spera, 2017) However, if the targeted

contraceptive use rate of 65% were achieved (meaning 11.3 million women using effective

family planning methods), over 4.11 million unplanned pregnancies and about 2.4 million

abortions could be prevented by 2022. The prevalent use of contraception could help curb the

need of women to resort to dangerous abortion methods. (Yee, 2019)

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Beneficial

Young people will have the capacity to make responsible and sound decisions with their

bodies and relationships as they grow older if they are given proper knowledge about family

planning and contraception. Department of Education Secretary Leonor Briones recognized the

importance of a comprehensive sexuality education policy in the effort to reduce the number

of cases of teenage pregnancy, sexual violence, and HIV among the youth. Briones said that,

with the surge in these cases, it is important “to enable [young Filipinos] to develop into

responsible adolescents capable of making rational decisions based on adequate information

and better understanding of reproductive health.” (Mateo, 2018)

Promoting the use of contraception shall improve the quality of life of women socially,

physically, and economically. Access to family planning, which can involve planning,

delaying, or avoiding pregnancy, is a basic human right, after all. (FIGO, 2018) Contraception

shall act as an aide to young people in family planning, reinforcing their rights to determine

how many children they want to have and how far apart they are in terms of age by preventing

unintended pregnancies. Contraception can also help prevent maternal and infant mortality and

reduce the need for unsafe abortion. (WHO, 2018) With the use of birth control and family

planning, women are more capable of continuing their education and their career. This could

help their families emerge from poverty and improve their quality of living. (Villamor, 2018)

Feasible

The implementation of a comprehensive sexuality education program is possible

because the Department of Education has already developed a general curriculum on

comprehensive sexuality education policy which was approved by Education Secretary Briones

in August 2018. The following core topics are meant to be included in the program: “human

body and human development; personhood, healthy relationships; sexuality and sexual

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behaviors; sexual and reproductive health; personal safety; and gender, culture and human

rights.” (Macasero, 2018) With this, contraception and its benefits and importance to people’s

health and wellbeing can be properly discussed under the core topics of sexual and reproductive

health and personal safety. The program can include the different types of contraceptives and

the use and benefits of each type, along with information and instructions regarding how to

obtain and access these contraceptives safely and legally. Once they become sexually active,

they will have the knowledge of how to remain safe and healthy when engaging in the act of

sex. This can empower students to make rational and responsible decisions with regards to their

bodies and their sex lives.

Conclusion

Abstinence-only sexuality education is detrimental to young Filipinos and to the

country in general due to its non-necessity, detriment, and non-viability. This form of sex

education only serves to instill fear and shame in students when it comes to the topics of sex

and sexuality. This could lead to misinformation regarding sexual and reproductive health,

along with the benefits and use of contraceptives, and may contribute to the issue of

overpopulation and underage pregnancy in the Philippines. Instead, the formation and

implementation of a comprehensive and empowering sex education program that provides

students with medically accurate and correct information about contraception may benefit

young people and the country as a whole due to its necessity, benefit, and feasibility.

Employing young children and teenagers with the right knowledge about the options for birth

control and family planning shall help them make better and more informed decisions when it

comes to their bodies, their relationships, and their future sex lives. This can help curb the

teenage pregnancy problem that the Philippines is currently facing and can also help remedy

the rampant issue of overpopulation. (2,424 words)

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 Rubric Task 2: Writing Feedback Sheet
Writing standards guide for students. Rubric for assessing writing tasks.
Criteria (or Standard) 1 2 3 4
Content/Task Fulfillment 0-27 28-31 32-35 36-40
Knowledgeable, substantive, thorough development of the thesis. Clarity:
paper has a clear thesis statement. Analysis: Issue/Problem: Issue/problem to
be considered critically is stated clearly and described comprehensively,
delivering all relevant information necessary for full understanding;
Evaluation: evaluation of solutions is deep and elegant (for example, contains
thorough and insightful explanation) and includes, deeply and thoroughly, all
of the following: considers history of problem, reviews logic/reasoning,
examines feasibility of solution, and weighs impacts of solution. Proposal: not
only develops a logical, consistent plan to solve problem, but recognizes a deep
comprehension of the problem and consequences of solution and can articulate
reason for choosing solution; implements the solution in a manner that
addresses thoroughly and deeply multiple contextual factors of the problem;
solution/hypotheses are sensitive to contextual factors as well as all of the
following: ethical, logical, and cultural dimensions of the problem.
Detail/Evidence: uses appropriate, relevant, and compelling content
(background information and supports) to illustrate mastery of the subject
conveying the writer's understanding and shaping the whole work;
demonstrates skillful use of high-quality, credible, relevant sources to develop
ideas; information is taken from source(s) with enough
interpretation/evaluation to develop a comprehensive analysis or synthesis.
Viewpoints of experts are questioned thoroughly. Critical thinking: Extends a
novel or unique idea to create new knowledge or knowledge that crosses
boundaries.
Organization 0-15 16-18 19-21 22-25
Fluent expression of ideas which are clearly stated and supported, succinct,
well-organized, logical sequencing, effective use of cohesive devices. Lead:
inviting, grabs readers and makes them want to read further. Internal structure:
paper has a clear direction; every detail is in the right place; demonstrates the
ability to construct a clear and insightful problem statement with evidence of
all relevant contextual factors. Logical sequence: everything is connected;
transitions are smooth and appropriate. A sense of resolution: conclusion
completes the paper; and related outcomes (consequences and implications) are
logical and reflect student’s informed evaluation and ability to place evidence
and perspectives discussed in priority order.
Vocabulary 0-6 7-9 10-12 13-15
Demonstrates a thorough understanding of context, audience, and purpose.
Accuracy and interest: words used are simple, clear, accurate (e.g., strong
verbs), vivid, illustrative, effective, and put in the right places. Precision:
nothing is vague or flowery; communicates meaning to readers with clarity and
fluency. Minimal redundancy. No clichés (or clichés are used ingeniously).
Language Use 0-6 7-9 10-12 13-15
Use of effective complex constructions; very few errors of agreement, tense,
number, word order/function, articles, pronouns, prepositions. Sentence
structure: logical and smooth. Sentence variety: sentence length and structure
are varied. Rhythm: sentences flow, show how ideas connect. Readability:
sentences are clear, natural, and easy to read aloud. Each sentence serves a
purpose—nothing is unnecessary.
Mechanics 0 1-2 3-4 5
Demonstrates mastery of relevant conventions, including the expected citation
style and format; few errors of spelling, punctuation, capitalization,
paragraphing (layout). Overall correctness: paper is mostly correct, almost
publishable. Editorial touch: grammar/usage is consistent.
GRADE EQUIVALENTS Total Score

194569 p. 11
 A 92 – 100 B 83 – 86 C 75 – 78 F 0 – 69 (HPS 100
B+ 87 – 91 C+ 79 – 82 D 70 – 74 points)
1 = standard not met; 2 = standard partially met; 3 = standard met; 4 = exceeds expectations

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