According to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) data, the trend on girls aged under 15 giving birth is generally on the rise since 2016 with the highest number of 3,135 for year 2022 making childhood pregnancy an urgent concern. In the same year, PSA data also revealed that an average of 425 babies are born to young mothers aged 15-19 in the country every day, which might often lead to rapid repeat pregnancies, a subsequent pregnancy occurring less than two years after the previous one.
In response to this concerning trend, the Department of Health (DOH), in collaboration with the Commission on Population and Development (CPD) and The Forum for Family Planning and Development, Inc. (The Forum), forges strategic directions to strengthen reproductive health during the 2024 National Conference on Family Planning (NCFP).
The DOH sees this collaboration as an avenue to discuss recommendations on strengthening sexual and reproductive education with innovative approaches to prevent unwanted and childhood pregnancy. The discussion in optimizing modern Family Planning (FP) use to avert maternal deaths which can result from unintended pregnancies and unsafe abortions were vital items in the synergy as well.
Focused on making FP services accessible and convenient for Filipinos, especially mothers and the youth, the conference presented innovations and science-based interventions that will optimize achieving national and international targets related to FP, gender equality, and sustainable development.
Based on the Philippines FP2030 Progress Report, about 8.7 million (67%) women aged 10 to 49 years were using modern FP methods in 2023, which is 4% higher than the number of users of modern FP in 2022 and corresponds to an increase of 311,037 women. As a result of increased ‘demand satisfied’ for modern FP, nearly more than 3 million unintended pregnancies and 800,000 unsafe abortions have been avoided. This has also prevented almost 970 maternal deaths due to complications during childbirth because of risky pregnancy.
“The Commission on Population and Development is committed to enabling an environment for every individual and couple to achieve their family aspirations by upholding their reproductive rights—including the right to decide on the number, timing, and spacing of children. Through family planning, let us realize our vision of Matatag, Maginhawa at Planadong Pamilyang Pilipino,” said Dr. Lisa Grace S. Bersales, CPD Executive Director V.
The 2024 NCFP marks the third iteration of the conference attended by 600 key stakeholders from public and private sectors, with the first held last 2016 and the second held last 2017. This year’s conference focuses on the theme, “Family Planning and Population Development: Innovate, Collaborate, and Accelerate NOW!”—bringing together a diverse array of participants, including government agencies, healthcare providers, non-governmental organizations, and international development partners.
“The conference’s theme underscores the urgent need to adopt innovative approaches and strengthen partnerships to address persistent gaps and challenges in reproductive health, family planning, and population and development. Together, we aim to accelerate progress in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals and fulfilling the promise of the RPRH Law,” said Dr. Corazon Raymundo, President of The Forum for Family Planning and Development. “Ensuring universal access to family planning and reproductive health services is vital for the health and well-being of our people, especially our women and youth, regardless of their situation or location. By working collaboratively across sectors, we can bring life-changing advancements closer to communities and empower every Filipino to make informed choices for a healthier and more sustainable future,” expressed Health
