Unplanned pregnancies on the rise

MANILA, Philippines - “I’m pregnant!” are two words any parent would dread hearing from their teenage daughter.

The truth, however, is appalling: Teenagers are having sex. Based on a survey by the National Statistical Coordination Board (NSCB), 23 percent or five million Filipino adolescents aged 15-24 have already engaged in premarital sex; the direct result of which is an increase in the incidence of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and unplanned pregnancies that lead to abortion.

According to a World Health Organization (WHO) study, one third of teen pregnancies worldwide results in abortion. In the Philippines where abortion is illegal, the numbers are unspeakable: 64,000 abortions annually, based on a study by the World Bank in 2010.

 “The harsh realities on unwanted pregnancies are shocking. The burden is on young women who have to face social stigmas that can have harmful psychological and social impact. Educating the young on pressing issues on sexual health is imperative,” says Isa Marfori, brand manager of leading condom brand Durex.

A World Bank study reveals that the Philippines is among the top 10 countries with an escalating population of teenage mothers. Seven out of 10 Filipino mothers are adolescents aged 19 years old and below. As of 2010, there are at least four million young mothers in the Philippines and at least 10 mothers die during childbirth every day, based on statistics by the United Nations Family Planning Association (UNFPA).

UN’s population experts contend that adolescents are particularly susceptible to unwanted pregnancy because they are often completely uninformed or worse, misinformed about sexuality and the risks associated with early and unprotected sexual activity.

Another reason they argue is the non-use or misuse of condoms. “The risk of health-compromising sexual behavior among the youth continues. Health-care workers, parents, and teachers should provide them information on proper use of condoms,” adds Isa.

With the prevalence of STDs, the prophylactic has been the norm for sexually active adolescents, according to a study by the National Survey of Sexual Health and Behavior conducted by professors of the Indiana University School of Medicine in 2010.

“Condoms are no big deal. Unplanned pregnancies and sexually-transmitted diseases are. We must raise awareness on these two issues among the youth who are more adventurous and prone to sexual risks,” adds Marfori.

Recently, Durex raised the bar in advocating healthy sexual behavior and relationships by mounting “What’s the Big Deal?A Sexhibit,” an exhibit that aimed to enlighten visitors about responsible sex and how sex-related problems, including unplanned pregnancies, can be prevented with the use of condoms.

The leading condom brand in the world hopes to bolster its efforts to improve knowledge on the spread of STDs and unplanned pregnancies through events that educate adults on these pressing issues. It is committed to launch more programs to enlighten more Filipinos on the importance of ensuring that sexual health is coupled with responsibility.

Durex, along with Veet, Strepsils, and Lysol, is marketed by Reckitt-Benckiser in the Philippines.