Topic 5 of 7
Philippine Teenage Pregnancy
Ask yourself
What rights does a pregnant teenager have in the Philippines?
Introduction
Teenage pregnancy affects a young person's health, education and future. Philippine law and policy protect adolescent mothers so that pregnancy does not cost them their schooling, health or dignity.
What is it?
Teenage or adolescent pregnancy refers to pregnancy among girls aged 10 to 19. Several laws work together to provide them health services, protect them from abuse, and keep them in school.
Legal basis and applicable laws
- Republic Act No. 10354 — Responsible Parenthood and Reproductive Health Act of 2012
- Republic Act No. 11148 — Kalusugan at Nutrisyon ng Mag-Nanay Act
- Republic Act No. 7610 — Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act
- Republic Act No. 11648 — raised the age for determining statutory rape to below 16 years
- Republic Act No. 9710 — Magna Carta of Women
Important legal provisions
Section 14, R.A. 10354
The State shall provide age- and development-appropriate reproductive health education to adolescents, taught by adequately trained teachers in formal and non-formal educational systems.
Section 13, R.A. 9710 (Magna Carta of Women)
Expulsion and non-readmission of women faculty and students due to pregnancy outside of marriage shall be outlawed.
R.A. 11648
Amended the Revised Penal Code so that sexual intercourse with a person under 16 years of age is statutory rape, regardless of consent, subject to a close-in-age exemption.
Rights and responsibilities
Your rights
- The right to continue education — schools may not expel a student because of pregnancy.
- The right to prenatal, delivery and postnatal health care and nutrition support (R.A. 11148).
- The right to protection from abuse and exploitation (R.A. 7610).
- The right to age-appropriate reproductive health information (R.A. 10354).
Your responsibilities
- Parents and guardians must provide guidance, care and support.
- Fathers of the child, including teenage fathers, share the obligation of support under the Family Code.
- Schools must provide a safe, non-discriminatory learning environment.
Legal procedures and remedies
- 1Visit the nearest health center for prenatal check-ups.
- 2Talk to the school guidance counselor about continuing studies or alternative learning options.
- 3If the pregnancy resulted from abuse, report to the Women and Children Protection Desk, DSWD or the barangay.
Important reminders
- 1A pregnant student cannot be expelled because of pregnancy.
- 2Consent of a child below 16 is not a defense in sexual abuse cases under R.A. 11648.
- 3Seeking help early protects both mother and baby.
Being pregnant does not take away your right to study, to health care, and to be protected. You are not alone — help is available.
Frequently asked questions
Can a school refuse to enroll a pregnant student?+
No. The Magna Carta of Women outlaws expulsion and non-readmission of students due to pregnancy outside of marriage.
Can minors access family planning services?+
Following the Supreme Court's ruling in Imbong v. Ochoa (2014), minors generally need written parental consent to access modern family planning methods, except in cases allowed by law.
Legal references
- [1]The Responsible Parenthood and Reproductive Health Act of 2012 Republic Act No. 10354, Section 14 — LawPhil
- [2]Kalusugan at Nutrisyon ng Mag-Nanay Act Republic Act No. 11148 — LawPhil
- [3]Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act Republic Act No. 7610 — LawPhil
- [4]An Act Providing for Stronger Protection Against Rape and Sexual Exploitation and Abuse Republic Act No. 11648 — LawPhil
- [5]The Magna Carta of Women Republic Act No. 9710, Section 13 — LawPhil
This page is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.