Hontiveros refutes 'conspiracy theories' on adolescent pregnancy bill

Senator Risa Hontiveros has refuted fabricated lies and "conspiracy theories" circulating online against Senate Bill No. 1979, the Prevention of Adolescent Pregnancy Act of 2023.

Hontiveros stated that the bill is a critical response to what the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) has identified as a "national and social emergency" since 2019.

She systematically debunked claims that the bill promotes masturbation for children aged 0-4, introduces children aged 6-9 to the concept of bodily pleasures, or asserts that children aged 9 have sexual rights.

The senator clarified that the bill contains no provisions about teaching "bodily pleasure" or "sexual rights" to young children.

She also denied that a document called "Standards for Sexuality Education in Europe" served as the basis of the bill, stating it is based on the Responsible Parenthood and Reproductive Health Law.

Hontiveros emphasized that the spread of misinformation by critics is a disservice to children and a distraction from addressing the teen pregnancy crisis.

She assured Filipinos that all questions and "scaremongering" regarding the legislation would be clarified once debates on the bill are opened in the Senate plenary.

The opposition lawmaker also clarified that Comprehensive Sexuality Education mentioned in her bill would be guided by the Department of Education and international standards, not merely copied from UNESCO and WHO guidelines.