Hontiveros pushes PAP bill amid teen pregnancy rise, seeks RPRH law enhancements

Senator Risa Hontiveros is calling for the passage of the Prevention of Adolescent Pregnancy (PAP) bill to address the rising cases of teenage pregnancy in the Philippines.

Hontiveros emphasized that the PAP bill complements and strengthens the existing Responsible Parenthood and Reproductive Health (RPRH) Law, which Health Secretary Ted Herbosa claims is sufficient.

The senator stated that accurate information and services are crucial for adolescents to protect themselves from teen pregnancy, underscoring the need for these in addition to what is provided by the RPRH law.

To address concerns about the bill, Hontiveros introduced changes such as removing certain phrases related to international standards in Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE), limiting CSE to children aged 10 and above, and ensuring academic and religious freedom.

Senate President Francis Escudero also proposed modifications including restricting access to contraceptives without parental consent for adolescents under 16 and involving parent-teacher organizations in the implementation of CSE.