ROW 3: ADVOCACY

Rowana: Teenage pregnancies fell to 5.4% in 2022 from 8.6% in 2017, according to a 2022
survey by the local statistics agency. Among teens aged 15 to 19 years who have been pregnant
as of 2022, the highest percentage was recorded among those aged 19 years at 13.3%,
Early pregnancy is one of the pressing issues Filipino youths are facing today. Early
childbearing may result in poor health outcomes and may be a threat to the country’s economic
growth. Pregnant adolescents are less likely to complete higher education and have lesser ability
to earn more income over the course of a lifetime, causing economic losses to the country.
Pregnancy during teenage years is also associated with a higher risk of health problems such as
preeclampsia, anemia, contracting STDs (sexually transmitted diseases), premature delivery,
postpartum hemorrhage, and poor mental health outcomes. Teenage mothers are more likely to
experience violence and depression that can increase the risk of mental disorders. 
Luke: Teenage pregnancy increases when girls are denied the right to make decisions about their
sexual and reproductive health and well-being.
These are the causes of teenage pregnancy:
1. lack of information about sexual and reproductive health and rights.
2.Inadequate access to services tailored to young people
3.Family, community and social pressure to marry
4.Sexual violence
5.Child, early and forced marriage, which can be both a cause and a consequence
6.Lack of education or school drop-out

Romel: What are the effects of teenage pregnancy?

Adolescent pregnancy remains a major contributor to maternal and child mortality.
Complications relating to pregnancy and childbirth are the leading cause of death for girls aged
15-19 globally. Pregnant girls and adolescents also face other health risks and complications due
to their immature bodies. Babies born to younger mothers are also at greater risk.

Vyle: We decided to have an interview regarding people’s opinion about teenage pregnancy and
how to prevent it.
-Do you think teenagers should buy birth control pills over counters without prescription? why or
why not?
-What are some of the struggles that teenage mothers face?
-How many kids would you like to have if you want to be ligated?
-Do you think it is important to have a family planning?
-Have you thought of family planning?
-What does it feel to be a teenage mother?

Nica: Family planning is also one of the effective ways of preventing these kind of issues.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), family planning is defined as “the ability
of individuals and couples to anticipate and attain their desired number of children and the
spacing and timing of their births.
Birth control, also known as contraception, is the use of medicines, devices, or surgery to
prevent pregnancy. There are many different types. Some are reversable, while others are
permanent. Some types can also help prevent sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).
Adolescent pregnancies are a global issue but most often occur in poorer and marginalised
communities. Many girls face considerable pressure to marry early and become mothers while
they are still children themselves.
Rowana: Here are some examples of Common and effective contraceptive measures:
Romel:
 Condom
- Condoms are the only type of contraception that can both prevent pregnancy and
protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs). When used correctly every
time you have sex, male condoms are 98% effective. This means 2 out of 100
people will become pregnant in 1 year when male condoms are used as
contraception.
Luke:
 Birth Control Pills or Oral Contraceptive Pills
- Oral contraceptives (birth control pills) are hormone-containing medications that
are taken by mouth to prevent pregnancy. They prevent pregnancy by inhibiting
ovulation and also by preventing sperm from penetrating through the cervix. The
pill has the potential to be 99% effective at preventing pregnancy if you take it
without fail — meaning you don’t forget to take the pill for even a day or two.
However, taking the pill perfectly can be difficult, which is why nine out of 100
women who use the pill will have an unintended pregnancy every year. The pill is
most reliable when you take it consistently at the same time each day. Being
consistent helps keep hormone levels from fluctuating.
Hi:
 Contraceptive Implant
 - Contraceptive implants are a long-term birth control option for women. A
contraceptive implant is a flexible plastic rod about the size of a matchstick that is
placed under the skin of the upper arm. It releases a low, steady dose of a
progestational hormone to thicken cervical mucus and thin the lining of the uterus
(endometrium). Contraceptive implants typically suppress ovulation as well.
Among various benefits, a contraceptive implant can be removed at any time,
followed by a quick return to fertility, eliminates the need to interrupt sex for
contraception and it contains no estrogen.
Romel:
 Tubal Ligation
- Tubal ligation is also known as having your tubes tied or tubal sterilization. It is a
type of permanent birth control. During tubal ligation, the fallopian tubes are cut,
tied or blocked to permanently prevent pregnancy. Tubal ligation prevents an egg
from traveling from the ovaries through the fallopian tubes and blocks sperm from
traveling up the fallopian tubes to the egg. The procedure doesn't affect your
menstrual cycle. Tubal ligation can be done at any time, including after childbirth
or in combination with another abdominal surgery, such as a C-section. Most
tubal ligation procedures cannot be reversed. If reversal is attempted, it
requires major surgery and isn't always effective.
Luke:
 Vasectomy
- Vasectomy is a form of male birth control that cuts the supply of sperm to your
semen. It's done by cutting and sealing the tubes that carry sperm. Vasectomy has
a low risk of problems and can usually be performed in an outpatient setting under
local anesthesia. Before getting a vasectomy you need to be certain you don't want
to father a child in the future. Although vasectomy reversals are possible,
vasectomy should be considered a permanent form of male birth control.
Rowana:
 IUD
- “IUD" stands for "intrauterine device." Shaped like a "T" and a bit bigger than a
quarter, an IUD fits inside your uterus. It prevents pregnancy by stopping sperm
from reaching and fertilizing eggs. The IUD is 99% effective, while the pill is
91% effective. The reason the pill is sometimes less effective is due to improper
use, such as failure to take it regularly.

All:
Girls must be able to make their own decisions about their bodies and futures, understand the
effects of teenage pregnancy, and have access to appropriate healthcare services and
comprehensive sexuality education.
Hi: