SENATOR Grace Poe has called for a comprehensive review of Senate Bill 1979, or the Prevention of Adolescent Pregnancies Act, emphasizing the importance of clear guidelines and sensitivity in addressing reproductive health education.

In an interview on DWIZ’s Usapang Senado, Poe, both a mother and legislator, underscored the need for a balanced approach to teaching reproductive health while safeguarding children.

“Ako kaya nga dapat sa buo nito, dapat may mga magulang nakasama. Clinical dapat ang approach. It should not encourage nga premarital sex. I mean, di ba? Paano mo gagawin yan? So, syempre, kailangan mo ng mga eksperto dyan. As I said, clinical approach. Dapat very formal. It does not encourage anything beyond promoting safety,” Poe said.

She stressed the inclusion of values education to highlight the challenges of early parenthood and the importance of health and safety.

Acknowledging concerns from parents and groups that early sex education could lead to curiosity and experimentation, Poe insisted on a clinical and formal approach that prioritizes safety and responsibility without encouraging premarital sex.

She also emphasized the government’s role in addressing the rising rates of teenage pregnancies and preventing sexually transmitted diseases through proper education.

Although not a co-author of Senate Bill 1979, Poe signed the committee report to facilitate Senate debates. She said she would only support the bill if it undergoes revisions considering parents’ perspectives, cultural sensitivities, and other critical concerns.

As the bill advances to plenary discussions, Poe reiterated the importance of open dialogue to address the concerns of both supporters and critics.