Alarming Surge in Teenage Pregnancies in Alabel, Warns Municipal Health Office

Alarming Surge in Teenage Pregnancies in Alabel, Warns Municipal Health Office

By: Christian Jay Laya, MiO of Alabel

ALABEL, Sarangani Province – A disturbing rise in teenage pregnancies has been recorded in Alabel, with recent reports from the Alabel Municipal Health Office showing a significant increase in cases, especially in the Poblacion area. The youngest mothers on record are only 12 or 13 years old. Local authorities are now calling for urgent action to address this growing concern that threatens the health, education, and future opportunities of the youth in the municipality.

Teenage pregnancy, which refers to pregnancies among women aged 19 or younger, carries serious negative effects. For those as young as 12 or 13, the risks are even more pronounced. These young girls are physically underdeveloped, and carrying a pregnancy at such a tender age can cause severe health complications, including high blood pressure, preeclampsia, and complications during childbirth that can threaten both the mother and the baby’s life. Studies also show that infants born to teenage mothers, especially those in the early teens, are more likely to suffer from low birth weight, premature birth, and long-term developmental delays.

Beyond health concerns, teenage pregnancies often lead to the disruption of a young girl's education, as many are forced to drop out of school to take care of their child. This hampers their ability to achieve economic independence and personal growth, further perpetuating cycles of poverty and limited opportunity. Additionally, many young mothers face stigma and social isolation, which can further affect their mental and emotional well-being.

According to the Alabel Municipal Health Office, the surge in teenage pregnancies has raised alarm due to the long-term effects on both the young mothers and their children. Local government units are reminded of their responsibility under the Reproductive Health Law (Republic Act No. 10354) to ensure that comprehensive reproductive health education and services are available to young people. Furthermore, the Local Government Code of 1991 (Republic Act No. 7160) requires local officials to actively protect the welfare of their residents, particularly those in vulnerable groups, such as adolescents.

In response to these alarming statistics, local officials are working closely with schools, community organizations, and healthcare providers to address the root causes of teenage pregnancies. The goal is to strengthen preventive measures, such as promoting better access to reproductive health services, increasing awareness of safe practices, and providing support to young people at risk. Through these collective efforts, authorities are hopeful that they can reverse the growing trend and create a healthier, more promising future for Alabel’s youth.