Teen Pregnancy, Driving School Dropouts in the Philippines—UN Study
By Inday Marisol | June 20, 2025
Table of Contents
Early Pregnancy Cited As A Major Barrier To Girls’ Education
Manila, Philippines—A recent study conducted by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) reveals a direct link between teenage pregnancy and school dropout rates among Filipino adolescents, highlighting a growing crisis in youth education and reproductive health.
The research shows that early pregnancy remains one of the top reasons young girls leave school, particularly in underserved and rural communities where access to sex education and reproductive health services is limited.
“Teen pregnancy not only affects the future of adolescent girls but also perpetuates poverty across generations,” the UNFPA report stated.
Alarming Trends, Long-Term Consequences
According to the study, many girls who become pregnant do not return to school due to social stigma, financial strain, or lack of supportive policies. The situation is particularly alarming in regions with high poverty rates and limited access to youth-friendly health services.
The study found that:
- Teenage mothers are 6 times more likely to drop out of school than their peers
- Many lack access to comprehensive sexuality education
- Return-to-school programs for young mothers remain underutilized and inconsistent
Call To Action For Stronger Interventions
UNFPA urged government agencies, local communities, and schools to:
- Strengthen comprehensive sexuality education in public schools
- Provide accessible reproductive health services for adolescents
- Support reintegration programs for teen mothers returning to school
- Engage families and communities in destigmatizing early pregnancy
The Department of Education (DepEd) and the Department of Health (DOH) have acknowledged the issue and are working with stakeholders to expand adolescent health programs, but advocates say more concrete policies and funding are urgently needed.
Sources
- United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA)
- UNFPA Philippines Study on Adolescent Pregnancy, 2025
- Department of Education
- Commission on Population and Development (POPCOM)
Maria Sollen Castor, known as “Inday Marisol,” is a skilled and experienced content writer. Renowned for her engaging and authentic style, she crafts compelling content that connects with readers and resonates across platforms.