MANILA – In a push to tackle the escalating issue of teen pregnancies, Senate Deputy Minority Leader Risa Hontiveros has declared the current Responsible Parenthood and Reproductive Health (RPRH) law inadequate. She advocates for the passage of the Prevention of Adolescent Pregnancy (PAP) bill to more effectively address the crisis. Despite President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s opposition to some aspects of the bill, he has voiced support for comprehensive sex education, emphasizing the importance of teaching about anatomy, the risks of early pregnancy, and HIV prevention.
Hontiveros highlighted the urgent need for enhanced support for sexually active Filipino adolescents, arguing that they require additional information and services beyond what the RPRH currently offers. ‘They need appropriate information and services, in addition to what is provided in the RPRH. Protecting their health should not be denied to them,’ she stated, emphasizing the necessity of Senate Bill 1979.
The senator praised existing legislation like the HIV law and the Raising the Age of Sexual Consent law, which have empowered young people to make informed health decisions and provided greater protection against sexual exploitation. She believes the PAP bill should similarly equip young Filipinos with the necessary tools and resources to safeguard their well-being.
Contrarily, Health Secretary Herbosa argued in a recent radio interview that a new law is unnecessary, asserting that proper enforcement of the RPRH law could sufficiently address the issue. He pointed out that childhood pregnancies, especially among those under 15, are typically unplanned and can be managed through education and existing legal measures.