MANILA – Senate Deputy Minority Leader Risa Hontiveros has emphasized the inadequacy of the current Responsible Parenthood and Reproductive Health (RPRH) law in tackling the increasing rate of teen pregnancies. She advocates for the implementation of the Prevention of Adolescent Pregnancy (PAP) bill to more effectively address this growing concern. Despite President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s opposition to some aspects of the bill, he has voiced support for comprehensive sex education, which includes critical subjects such as human anatomy, the repercussions of early pregnancy, and HIV risks. Hontiveros highlighted the urgent need for sexually active Filipino teens to access vital information and health services, which are essential for their well-being. She stated, ‘They require suitable information and services beyond what the RPRH provides. Their health protection should not be withheld,’ in reference to Senate Bill 1979. The senator also praised the effectiveness of existing legislation like the HIV law, which bolsters comprehensive HIV and AIDS prevention policies, and the law that raised the age of sexual consent from 12 to 16, offering greater safeguards against sexual exploitation and abuse for young individuals. Hontiveros believes the PAP bill should similarly equip young Filipinos with the necessary tools and resources for self-protection. Contrarily, Health Secretary Herbosa argued in a recent radio interview that a new law is unnecessary, asserting that proper enforcement of the RPRH Law alone could manage the issue. He pointed out that pregnancies among children, especially those under 15, are typically unplanned and can be mitigated through education and the current legal framework.
Senator Urges Enhanced Strategies to Combat Teen Pregnancy Surge
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