Children are considered blessings; a gift from God. Their innocence is a resemblance of faith just as how the Messiah said the Kingdom of God belongs to them. However, we tend to forget that children being a blessing doubles the responsibility that comes with parenthood. You are duty-bound in the law of the state and the law of God.
Although the state recognizes duties bound by faith, it is imperative of the government to look after the good of the people. Most often, what is practical for the nation as a whole does not necessarily have to harmonize with religion.
With the surge of teen pregnancy in the Philippines, the government needs to make a choice that will determine the future of the country. Kids having kids in the middle of a pandemic can kill the economy. Not to mention that the Philippines’ inflation rate has already accelerated to 4.7% in February.
In aspiration to prevent further recession, the Congress prompted for the passing of Senate Bill 1334. The bill seeks to provide unbiased and comprehensive sexuality education to adolescents from the age 10 to 21 that can help prevent early and unintended pregnancies.
Provisions of the bill, if approved, are as follows:
• Age and development-appropriate comprehensive sexuality education (CSE) which will be integrated in lessons such as human sexuality, consent, adolescent reproductive health, effective contraceptive use, sexually transmitted diseases, and prevention of sexual violence
• Development of an information and service delivery network (ISDN), putting the different government and non-government organizations in charge. The government and NGOs will also be disseminating information and services to adolescents on reproductive and mental health, which should be culturally respectful and gender-sensitive
• Comprehensive sexuality education for out-of-school adolescents, parents, and guardians
Integration of prevention programs in Sangguniang Kabataan activities and continuing comprehensive sexuality education for teen parents to prevent repeat pregnancies
• Ensuring non-judgmental and unbiased access to reproductive health services for sexually active adolescents (aged 10 to 21 years old), including family planning methods which is currently not allowed under the R.A. 10354
• Maternal health services, prenatal and postnatal, psycho-social support and mental health services for teen mothers
• Provide training, skills development, and support to livelihood programs for the beneficiaries of the law
Discussions on the “Prevention of Adolescent Pregnancy Act” are currently delayed. Up to date, there is still no guarantee when the discussion regarding the act will continue.
