COLUMN | Prevention Begins With Education
Cess Gatchalian
Every day, Filipino teenagers face life-altering consequences due to early pregnancies, often because they lack access to accurate information about reproductive health. Senator Risa Hontiveros’s proposed Prevention of Adolescent Pregnancy Act seeks to address this gap by introducing Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE) in schools. This bill promises empowerment through education, yet it has met resistance from critics who argue that it undermines Filipino values and promotes immorality. Despite these claims, the urgent reality is clear: early pregnancies perpetuate cycles of poverty and lost opportunities.
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Cartoon by Jascyl Jee Sayson. |
Critics, particularly conservative groups and some religious sectors, argue that CSE contradicts traditional Filipino values such as chastity, modesty, and the sanctity of marriage. They believe that teaching adolescents about sexual health, contraception, and consent encourages pre-marital sexual activity, a practice deemed immoral in many cultural and religious contexts. By normalizing discussions on reproductive health, critics fear that CSE undermines the moral fabric of Filipino society.
However, it is essential to address whether these so-called “traditional values” have succeeded in preventing teenage pregnancies. The Philippines, without widespread CSE, continues to report alarmingly high rates of adolescent pregnancies. The status quo, built on silence and stigma, has left Filipino youth uninformed and unprepared, leading to life-altering consequences. The current approach has failed to uphold these values, as unintended pregnancies remain a pressing issue.
Consider a 16-year-old girl from a low-income neighborhood who becomes pregnant due to a lack of knowledge about contraception. Forced to drop out of school, she foregoes her dream of becoming a teacher, taking on low-paying jobs to survive. Her child grows up in the same cycle of poverty, further limiting opportunities for both. This reality highlights how the absence of education perpetuates systemic challenges, not just for individuals but for society as a whole.
Data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) reveals that over 500 mothers give birth daily. While this statistic reflects a broader issue, the absence of detailed data on youth demographics and socioeconomic conditions necessitates further investigation. Nevertheless, research consistently shows that teenage mothers are less likely to finish their education or secure stable employment, leading to financial strain and increased reliance on public resources. The socioeconomic burden of early pregnancies extends far beyond the individual, impacting communities and the nation’s development.
Critics also fear that CSE will expose young minds to inappropriate content. However, global evidence proves otherwise. Countries like the Netherlands and Sweden, where CSE is standard, report some of the world’s lowest teenage pregnancy rates. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), these programs empower young people to make informed decisions, delay sexual activity, and reduce the risks of unintended pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections. This data demonstrates that when adolescents are equipped with knowledge, they are more likely to act responsibly.
For the Philippines, this means that CSE is not a threat but a solution. The proposed curriculum is age-appropriate and developmental, addressing topics like self-awareness, consent, and reproductive health at appropriate stages. These tools allow young people to understand their bodies, assert boundaries, and make informed decisions about their futures. Far from eroding values, CSE fosters respect, responsibility, and self-determination, providing the foundation for a healthier society.
CSE is not a luxury; it is a necessity. By empowering young people with accurate information, we create a generation capable of breaking the cycle of ignorance and poverty. Supporting the Prevention of Adolescent Pregnancy Act means providing Filipino youth with the tools to protect their health, achieve their dreams, and contribute meaningfully to society. The stakes are too high to remain silent. This is not just about education—it is about survival and progress.