Unweaving the Complexity of Teenage Pregnancy
Jandel Christian B. Pempil and Joshua D. Hiwatig
“She runs vivaciously with her
innocent giggles and unending laughs. Her bare face is kissed by the soft
sunlight while the wind blew gently her long and perfectly curled manes.” The
immortalized character of Nene in the now defunct teleserye, Katorse epitomizes
the complexity of teenage pregnancy and the social dilemma which a young mother
faces amidst oppression and public scrutiny.
The sexual revolution in our
country tremendously burdens teenagers to gain sexual experience. Teenagers
have been exposed to sex through various media like the internet, television
and magazines. Indeed, the interest in such sensitive topic like sex somehow
creates an impact which triggers adolescents to explore what sex is out of
sheer curiosity. Teenagers deem sex nowadays as a rite of passage especially
for males which is a lousy excuse just to justify their machismo.
For a conservative country like
the Philippines, sex and teenage pregnancy are difficult topics to deal with.
The conservative society strictly suggests that it is not appropriate for young
individuals to engage with sex without the vow of marriage. Indeed, it is a
custom which most believe in because chastity is purity. But, does this norm
guarantee that teenagers will totally abstain from practicing sex? Does this
assure that teenage pregnancy rate will remain at rest?
Sadly, without proper guidance
and knowledge, teenagers will continue to explore their bodies and end up doing
sex. Worse enough to say, such irresponsible action could lead to teenage pregnancy.
Ms. Rebecca
B. Singson in her article “Teen Pregnancies in the Philippines” for the
Philippine Daily Inquirer reported that “The University of the Philippines
Population Institute (UPPI) conducted Young Adult Fertility and Sexuality study
in 2002 and found out that 26 percent of Filipino youth nationwide from ages 15
to 25 admitted to be having premarital sex experience. What’s
worse is that 38 percent of our youth are already in a live-in arrangement.”
The 1998 National Demographic and
Health Survey (NDHS) revealed that 3.6 million of our teenagers or 5.2 percent
of our population got pregnant. In 92 percent of these teens, the pregnancy was
unplanned, and the majority, 78 percent, did not even use contraceptives the
first time they had sex.
In an
interview, Angelo (not his real name in order to keep his real identity), a
teenage father narrated, “I was definitely shocked upon knowing that my
girlfriend was pregnant. It was definitely not in our plan and I was very troubled
for our future”. Indeed, most teenage pregnancies are not anticipated and in
fact most adolescents are not aware that a single intercourse could result to
pregnancy.
“I
first opened my situation to my boyfriend, Angelo. I knew my parents would keep
on blaming me if I tell them what happened. Fear dominated my mind. My parents
worked hard to send me to school but then I felt like I disappointed them so
much. I cried most of the time when this thought crossed my mind,” Angela (not
her real name in order to keep her real identity) shared.
The
dilemma in teenage pregnancy is very palpable. Maria, a student and a young
mother mentioned, “I was definitely embarrassed. I felt like all eyes are set
on me and I am really ashamed. Despite
my situation, I thought of my baby as a blessing and believed that this shall
come to pass.” The public never fails to judge a teenage mother. This is
because premarital sex which is the culprit is believed to be immoral; when in
fact, ignorance should be blamed.
Teenage
mothers undergo emotional crisis which is associated with social acceptance.
Tamara related, “I got really depressed upon knowing that I was pregnant that
time. But when my parents and family showed that I am very much accepted, I was
able to recover from my depression”. Teenage mothers become more sensitive with
their emotions. It is vital to show them support and understanding which in
return could give them strength and motivation.
In most
cases, young mothers opt to abortion to conceal the disgrace which teenage
pregnancy brings. In the case of Maria, she mentioned, “I thought of abortion
at first because I am not yet prepared to take this huge responsibility. I am
still studying and my boyfriend just recently passed his board examination. I
also do not want to fail my parents. But then, I realized that every baby is a
blessing and I am glad that I kept my baby. Everything went well with God’s
mercy.”
Ignorance in sex and its
whereabouts should be alleviated in order to prevent premarital sex which leads
to teenage pregnancy. And, where exactly is it best to start? The answer can be
found at home. Parents should take responsibility in guiding their sons and
daughters regarding their curiosity about sex. It is best to advise them when
their interest about sex strikes. And when that happens, be realistic. Be
straightforward in discussing about it and in reminding them the consequences
brought by premarital sex.
Remember,
prevention is better than cure. But to think of it, there is no cure for
teenage pregnancy but only the courage to face it. So, in order for these teens
not to get trapped in this extraordinary situation, encourage them to abstain
from sex and respect their body as the temple of the Lord.
As a
final note, Tamara shared the life lessons she learned from her experience,
“For those teenagers undergoing same experience as I did, it’s normal to feel
anxious and shocked at first. But, never let those feelings dominate your
system as they may cause you to do stupid things you might regret in the
future. People may spread rumors, spit upsetting words, or drag you down
emotionally. They may even force you to stop attending school or worse, separate
you from your own home. All negative and awful situations might arise from your
early pregnancy but never let these eat up your strength and strong discernment
of keeping the baby.
“I’m lucky
because nobody caused me such pains when I was pregnant. But if you feel like
you already hit the end of the road and when everything seems to fall apart, be
reminded to feel God’s presence in your heart. Everything will fall into place
in God’s perfect time. Just pray for His guidance; never stop praying. At the
end, you will see the fruit of all your sacrifices, your firstborn angel, a
true blessing from God. All your doubts and worries will vanish together with
the hate you felt the first day you learned about your pregnancy. Love will
rule over and you’ll be more than thankful that your baby came into life,” she
ended with a smile.
