11.

TEENAGE PREGNANCY
Pregnancy among women under 20 is referred to as "teen
pregnancy." Teenagers between the ages of 15 and 19 are typically
mentioned. However, it can involve females as young as ten. It is also
called teen pregnancy or adolescent pregnancy.

In the Philippines, the percentage of teenage pregnancies fell from

10% in 2008 to 9% in 2017. Teenage mothers' (ages 10–19) live births
totaled 203,085 in 2016, 196,478 in 2017, and 183,000 in 2018, all of
which saw a little decline. The Philippines, however, has one of the highest
rates of adolescent births among the ASEAN Member States (UNFPA,
2020). Moreover, one in ten young Filipino women age 15-19 has begun
childbearing: 8 percent are already mothers and another 2 percent are
pregnant with their first child according to the results of the 2013 National
Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS).

As evidenced by studies, it is the responsibility of parents and schools

to inform youth about the consequences of teenage pregnancy. By taking
the time to get involved when the subject of sex comes up, parents can
have a significant impact on their kids' decisions. Schools can play a role by
encouraging students to make mature decisions about their sex and by
disseminating the information needed to prevent pregnancy. Adults must
therefore ensure that teenagers have a solid awareness of contraception,
abstinence, and the effects of sexual engagement.