Reaction paper: An alarming increase in

teenage pregnancies
The topic discussion for this article is about “An alarming increase in teenage
pregnancies by Senator Sonny Angara”. According to the editorial paper, In the year
2016, there has been an increase on pregnancies by teenagers from 10-14 years
old. Even more concerning is that men or the fathers who were three to five years
older than the girls, or young men who were themselves adolescents. The factors
affecting teenage pregnancy, serious implications on teenage mothers and the
neonate’s possible health conditions, as well as the negative social consequences,
preventions and provisions were further discussed in this article.

Research suggests that one of the main causes of illness and mortality among
girls is pregnancy and birth occurring before the girls' bodies are sufficiently
developed. In my opinion, underage girls that experience pregnancy in the
adolescent years is really challenging given the fact that the body is just starting to
develop. Even in neonates, there is a high risk of severe conditions since the body
of the mother can’t provide enough nutrients and needs that the baby should have
since the teenage mother’s body is still maturing. My first reaction reading this
article really made me sad because of the factors that affects a child bearing
mother is her social life, since she’s experiencing different than most of her age,
they can be pressured and have a negative impact on herself since there will be a
lot of changes that she is not ready for.

According to the laws stated in the article I was moved by both, the first one is
Republic Act (R.A.) No. 10354, it is stated that this orders the provision of age and
development-appropriate reproductive health education. I am amazed on how the
government makes an action regarding this matter and I believe that this is
important because this law is an opportunity to access methods on contraception,
fertility control, sexual education, and maternal care in the Philippines. Another is
the Executive Order (E.O.) No. 141, this ensures access to comprehensive sexuality
education and reproductive health and rights services. This is a good law
considering that it highlights the importance of taking action against the root
causes of teenage pregnancy and making it a national priority.

In conclusion, even after many years I know that this will always be a problem if
adolescence doesn’t have enough guide from especially their parents, their
surroundings, and most importantly discipline from themselves. I am confident
that, responsible teenagers together with given action by the government, this
problem can easily be prevented.