PopCom sets services to prevent spike in pregnancies amid Covid 19

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO — Several months from now unplanned pregnancies will become part of the long term effect of the ongoing quarantine initiatives thus prompting the Commission on Population and Development Region III to provide continuous services on modern Family Planning to prevent a spike of unplanned pregnancies.

POPCOM III OIC- Regional

Director Vicky Barbea B. De La Torre also reiterated that there is a need to look into policies and strategies at the regional and local level that would ensure constant access to modern FP services and information as the region shifts to the “new normal.”

De La Torre further stated that there are more than 2.9 million women of reproductive age (WRA) in Central Luzon based on the 2015 Census of Population and Housing. Among these women, more than 9 out of 100 have an unmet need for modern FP, based on the 2017 Philippine National Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS).

“These are women who have an expressed intent to use modern family planning but do not have the access to either information or commodities,” De La Torre explained.

Furthermore, De La

Torre also stressed on the need to look into resupplying services for women who are already using temporary modern FP methods such as pills, condoms, and injectables. De La Torre shared that the 2017 NDHS findings point out to more than 2 out of 10 women are using these methods.

“Given the current situation wherein our communities are under quarantine, there is a high chance for these women to have difficulties in accessing these commodities, making it also difficult for them to continue practicing FP in their households, ” De La Torre added.

Regional estimates on the said figures point out to an estimate of more or less 200,000 women who are capable of giving birth and may add to the number of unplanned pregnancies in the region if these FP concerns are not addressed immediately. De La Torre also stated that having an unplanned pregnancy during these trying times will have an adverse effect on the life of each Filipino Family.

However, despite these limitations, couples are encouraged to coordinate with their respective local government units. Local population offices in the region were reminded to ensure that three months supply of pills and or condoms will be provided through houseto-house visits among those who enlisted to the family planning progr am .

Health centers also remain open to accommodate those who use injectables and want to avail Subdermal Implant. Aside from this, POPCOM III also has an existing Helpline that interested clients can contact for inquiries regarding Family Planning and supply of commodities.