Abstract

PIP: Despite a rising trend in sexual activity and its accompanying risks among adolescents, the Philippine government and society have done little to address the needs of its youth. Our of all live births in the past decade, 39% occurred among adolescent mothers -- women 15-24 years of age. Evidence suggests that the share among girls 15-19 is growing. Furthermore, a recent survey indicated that the number of those engaging in premarital sex continues to increase. These developments signal increased health risks among adolescents. While the overall maternal mortality rate of the Philippines is 1/1000 women who give birth, the rate for women under 15 years of age is an astounding 490.5/1000. Girls who attempt to terminate the pregnancy through an induced abortion risk death or complications. And many girls who become pregnant are often forced into early marriages. In addition to early pregnancy and its associated health risks, adolescents face other serious problems. 1/5 of those infected with AIDS are in their 20s, meaning that they probably contracted the disease during adolescence. Adolescents are also at serious risk of contracting other STDs. Young men often have their first sexual encounter with prostitutes, and young women remain less informed than their male counterparts about STDs. Although sex education is compulsory in public schools, the courses are inadequate and hardly stressed. Because of the Catholic Church's opposition to family planning, the subject is rarely mentioned. The government has done little to promote family planning -- especially among adolescents. High adolescent fertility, however, poses a threat not only to young people but to the country as a whole, since nearly half the population is under 18 years of age.