Rising teenage pregnancy among young teens in Philippines
Deutsche Welle
February 14, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Rising teenage pregnancy rates among young teens in the Philippines have raised alarms despite a decline in pregnancies among older adolescents. While pregnancies among girls aged 15-19 have decreased from 8.6% in 2017 to 5.4% in 2022, the number of live births among girls aged 10-14 has surged from 2,411 in 2019 to 3,343 in 2023. This worrying trend highlights a growing gap between age groups, with younger teens facing heightened risks of early motherhood and its long-term consequences.
The stories of Eman and Jenny, both young parents, illustrate the challenges faced by teenage fathers and mothers. Eman, now a noodle house worker and father to an 8-month-old daughter, dropped out of college due to his parental responsibilities. He regrets the unplanned path his life took but remains determined to provide for his child while pursuing his goals. Jenny, a senior high school student who became a mother at 17, struggles to balance her studies with her new role as a parent. Despite these challenges, she remains focused on her dream of becoming a teacher.
The rise in pregnancies among younger teens is linked to factors like digital exposure and limited sex education. Lisa Grace Bersales, CPD undersecretary, emphasizes the need for urgent attention to this issue, noting that even small percentages of teenage births can signal deeper societal vulnerabilities. The growing trend among 10-14-year-olds underscores the importance of addressing sexual behavior and providing better support systems for young families.
This issue matters globally as it reflects broader challenges in adolescent health, education, and rights. The rising concern over very young pregnancies highlights the need for improved policies and comprehensive sex education to protect vulnerable youth from the life-altering impacts of early parenthood.
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Originally published on Deutsche Welle on 2/14/2026