Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, May 19)— The Commission on Population (PopCom) on Wednesday underscored the need to change laws and practices that tend to limit women’s rights.
In an online forum, PopCom Executive Director Juan Perez said this is critical in empowering women to make their own choices when it comes to sex and reproductive health.
“For example the bill on child marriage, on enforced marriage so that children are not forced into a marriage just because the officiating authorities have no punishment,” Perez said, pointing to the proposed measure as among those that need to be passed into law.
The PopCom is working with the United Nations Population Fund in promoting women’s ability and freedom to decide on matters that affect their bodies.
This includes decisions around healthcare, sex, and contraception.
According to the UNFPA, the Philippines fares better when it comes to women’s body autonomy compared to other developing nations.
Its latest study called “My Body Is My Own” states 88% of Filipino women aged 15-49 years old have the power to say no to sex while 94% have the power to decide on contraception.
But the UNFPA also noted the Philippines’ growing adolescent pregnancy rates, with 47 births annually for every 1,000 women aged 15-19 years old. This is higher than the global rate of 44.
“Adolescents get pregnant because they were exposed to sexual activity at an early age which were most likely unprotected but that doesn’t mean it was their choice or was an informed choice,” UNFPA country programme representative Dr. Leila Joudane explained.
Both the PopCom and UNFPA believe comprehensive sexuality education is crucial.
The Philippines has one of the highest population growth rates in Southeast Asia.
