COMMISSION on Population and Development has called on the Senate to swiftly pass the Anti-Teen Pregnancy bill, which addresses the alarming rise in adolescent pregnancies.

CPD Acting Division Chief Mylin Mirasol Quiray highlighted that Senate Bill 1979, also known as the Adolescent Pregnancy Prevention Bill, has stalled in the Senate, despite its counterpart already being approved by the House of Representatives.

“Every day the bill is delayed puts young girls at risk of sexual abuse, infections, high-risk pregnancies, and mental health issues. This not only affects their lives but also costs the country billions in lost opportunities,” Quiray said.

She pointed out that the increase in adolescent pregnancies, particularly among those under 17, is alarming, with a disturbing rise in births among girls aged 10 to 14.

“Most alarming is the increase in live births among 10-14-year-olds, from 2,319 in 2020 to 3,135 in 2022. These cases are indicative of sexual abuse, as they fall under statutory rape under Republic Act 11648,” Quiray said.

She also noted that cases of repeat pregnancies were recorded in 2022, with 25,358 instances of second, third, and even fifth live births among girls aged 10 to 19.